‘Ali & Ava’ is a drama centering on Ali and Ava, two lonely people who connect after a chance meeting. Over the following weeks the two develop a deep connection and their lives become increasingly intertwined as the pair develop a relationship.
Ava, a school teachers assistant and Ali, a landlord meet one day as Ali drops off a tenants young daughter to school where Ava works. The two then share a ride home on a rainy day and discover each others love for music. They develop a relationship and become increasingly involved in each others lives.
Ava learns that Ali and his wife are separating following a breakdown in their marriage after Runa, Ali’s wife had a miscarriage. The two live under the same roof, but have effectively separated, as Runa devotes her time to completing her university studies and Ali spends most of his time working on his music in his den.
Ali learns of Ava’s complicated history, as she had separated from Paul, her most recent partner who had been abusive towards her and her half-Indian daughter, Michelle, with a previous partner. Her life had become even more complicated following Paul’s death, with whom she had a son, Callum, and who blames her for Paul’s recent passing after their separation.
Sharing in each others love for vastly different music preferences, the two spend time together and take a trip away for the weekend as Ali has not told his family he has separated from Runa. On discovering that Ali and Ava are seeing each other, Callum moves out, devastating Ava. Ali returns home for some time, and shares a moment with Runa, where both mourn the loss of their child. Seeing this, Ava is crushed and sinks into a depression.
After some time, Callum returns to Ava after having talked to Michelle and his fathers abuse towards her and Ava, reconciling with his mother. With Runa now moved out of Ali’s house, Ali reverts to working on his music. On a nigh out observing the full moon, Ava meets Ali, knowing he would be there.
‘Ali & Ava’ is an intimate examination of two people who, each for their own reasons, live lonesome lives even though they are constantly surrounded by family. For Ali, the challenge he faces is deep-rooted in his culture, with him being trapped in a difficult situation as he is separated from his wife, yet has to hide the fact in fear of being scorned by his family and community. The situation is further complicated as Ali still has feelings for Runa and the two are avoiding discussing their past, precluding Ali from moving on. Conversely, Ava faces her own difficulties as she cares for her children and grandchildren whilst coping with the burden of an abusive past relationship.
When the the two worlds meet, ‘Ali & Ava’ explores the unbound nature of love and compassion, as the two find comfort in each others company, seemingly allowing the broken individuals to bask in each others love, letting their worries fade. After the initial glow dissipates and the two become more attached, they explore the other’s strained relationships with their families and ultimately rely on each other to help them make their way forward, resolving their past issues and reconciling.
The film explores the highs and lows of finding a kindred spirit and prevailing in overcoming familial and cultural hurdles, handling past difficulties and rejoicing in the joy and positive impact that understanding another person can provide.
Adeel Akhtar and Claire Rushbrook portray Ali and Ava respectively, bringing to the screen a pair of damaged and lonesome people, delving deep into their respective histories and bringing to life a true romance that prevails in the face of lingering past heartache.
Akhtar portrays a well meaning yet somewhat restless person when it comes to matters of the heart, as he does not hesitate in pursuing Ava, and reveals his anxieties about his past relationship with Runa. Delivering a genuine and relatable character, Akhtar brings to life what most feel when they are struck by love and explores his past failed relationship not delivering only pain and hurt, but also the joy and anticipation of his new relationship with Ava.
Similarly, Rushbrook delivers a cheerful yet deeply hurt individual that is cautious about starting a new relationship, as the scars left by her previous partner have tainted her outlook on love, making her careful and almost resistant to starting a relationship with Akhtar’s Ali. Ultimately, each with the others support is able to begin anew, with Akhtar and Rushbrook embodying acceptance and the courage to begin again.
‘Ali & Ava’ is a deeply intimate exploration of love, its highs and lows, and the portrayal of two kindred spirits who help each other move on from their difficult past relationships and re-discover love, despite those difficulties. By inviting each other into their lives, Ali and Ava make the choice to try to find happiness, allowing each other to be vulnerable and creating a safe space of each other to grow and move on from their past.
‘Ali & Ava’ depicts both the beautiful and painful facets of love and is a worth while watch, as it does not shy away from distressing issues and does not overwhelm the viewer with over-sentimental tropes, delivering a very real examination of love.
Score: 3/4
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