ALI & AVA
Credit: Altitude
A British romantic drama that proudly wears its heart on its sleeve, Ali & Ava from writer and director Clio Barnard, shines a light onto a beautifully told love story of two lonely people in their 40s who find companionship after writing off their romantic aspirations. Both dealing with life’s constant struggles, they find a genuine spark with one another, but their coupling doesn’t come without its issues. Claire Rushbrook is sensational as Ava, a primary school helper who spends her days looking after her grandchildren, and who finds a love for life again when she’s in the company of Adeel Akhtar’s Ali – a fun-loving man who’s emotionally drained from a failed marriage. Their chemistry is superb and the story tugs at your heart strings in just the right way. A true British gem of a film.