Watch Ali & Ava

Ali & Ava is a recent romantic drama movie that premiered in 2021. The film stars Adeel Akhtar, Claire Rushbrook, and Macy Shackleton. It was directed by Clio Barnard, known for her work in experimental and documentary films. The movie tells the story of two individuals, Ali and Ava, from different backgrounds who meet and form a bond in the city of Bradford - a northern city in England.

The story's setting is in a city that's often regarded as one of the most divided and deprived cities in the UK. There are various forms of economic and social inequality in Bradford that could be seen in the ethnic divisions, the high levels of deprivation, and the low levels of education. The city's rich cultural diversity is also on display, with distinct influences from the Pakistani, Indian, and English cultures.

Ali (played by Adeel Akhtar) is a widower and a father of two who has been actively seeking a companion. He's a working-class guy who's seen his fair share of misfortunes, including time in prison. As a result, many people perceive him as a trouble maker, and few people are willing to give him a fair chance. In contrast, Ava (played by Claire Rushbrook) is a divorced mom who runs a hairdressing business. She's from a privileged background and has lead a relatively comfortable life. However, she finds herself in a state of emotional turmoil stemming from her recent divorce.

Ali & Ava's relationship is complicated, and the movie is a slow-burning character study of their emotional journey. Despite the clichés of two individuals who are seemingly worlds apart, they share a common love for music; in particular, Aryan Khan, the famous Indian musician. The two meet at one of Aryan's concerts where Ava, a huge fan, is trying to secure autographs for her and her daughter. Ali, who works at the venue, sees her and the two share a brief, awkward conversation that sets the stage for their blossoming relationship.

As their relationship develops, the two face several challenges. Ali's background as an ex-con creates friction with Ava's family and friends, and their social and economic differences add to the complexity. The movie also explores themes of loss, grief, and emotional isolation. Ali is still grieving the loss of his wife, and Ava is trying to move on from her divorce. The two find solace in each other, but their past experiences and emotional turmoil continue to haunt them.

The movie has a strong focus on character development and explores the central characters' motivations and emotional states. The performances by Akhtar and Rushbrook are outstanding, and they give an authentic portrayal of two complex individuals who are trying to navigate the complexities of their lives. Macy Shackleton, who plays Ava's daughter, adds to the authenticity of the film with her portrayal of a child trying to make sense of her mother's emotional state and her own place in the world.

Overall, Ali & Ava is a beautifully crafted movie that explores the complexities of human relationships, the challenges of social and economic divides, and the different forms of emotional trauma that individuals go through. It's a poignant and moving film that leaves a long-lasting impression on the audience. Despite its slow pace and understated narration, the movie captures the essence of life in the city of Bradford and the everyday struggles of ordinary people. If you're a fan of independent cinema or romantic dramas, this movie is definitely worth watching.

Ali & Ava is a 2022 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 75.