Showing a woman, my age and who looks like me, finding joy... to read a script like that was beautiful
As British film Ali & Ava arrives in our cinemas, DANIELLE DE WOLFE learns more from its star Claire Rushbrook and the film’s director Clio Barnard
IF EVER you needed proof that a cinema release need not involve a swathe of international locations and a multi-million pound budget in order to succeed, Ali & Ava is just that.
This tale of love is distinctive, tender and wholeheartedly British, illustrating that joy can be found in even the most improbable of circumstances.
Set in Bradford, it stars Claire Rushbrook (Whitechapel, My Mad Fat Diary) as Ava, a classroom assistant who unexpectedly forms a bond with local landlord Ali, played by Adeel Akhtar (Four Lions, Big Sick).
Since her violent ex-husband died a year ago, Ava has devoted her time to her family. Meanwhile, Ali has separated from his wife but, rather than confess this to his close-knit British-Pakistani family, she has agreed to stay in their house and keep up appearances.
After a chance meeting, Ali gives Ava a lift home and while driving through Bradford, they chat about their backgrounds and their love of music and something clicks.
Reflecting on “shared moments of vulnerability” between her and Adeel’s characters, brief encounters that only take place behind closed doors, Claire says the story is a “delight” to be a part of, describing the film as “a very real, quiet, honest depiction of two ordinary people just happening to find each other”.
In spite of his playful nature, it is clear Ali is concerned about judgement and tradition.
Crossing paths with Ali intermittently, she finds herself confronted by her son Callum’s (Shaun Thomas) bully-like tendencies, traits inherited from her late husband, when he suspects the pair have more than friendship on their minds.
“I think the first thing that really resonated with me was the chance to play a woman my age, who had a complex character, a complex history, and to explore the joy of a love story,” says Claire, 50.
“Showing a woman, my age and who looks like me, finding joy – to read a script like that was beautiful.
“So I was delighted to have the chance to be involved.”
Director Clio Barnard crafted Ali & Ava in conjunction with Bradford-based writer Kamal Kaan. Shot over the course of six weeks, it is a story Kamal says reflects his “positive experience of the city”, in turn “countering the mis-representation of Bradford” which the writer says is often portrayed as “divided, impoverished and post-industrial”.
Set against a backdrop of social and economic uncertainty, the Leeds-born director says a “growing sense of common social and moral purpose” lays the foundations for the film’s release.
“Ava and Ali are both born in Britain,” she says.
“Their parents came to the UK from Ireland and Pakistan respectively, which were both once parts of the British Empire.
“There was violence and racism within Ava’s immediate family.
“There’s an analogy to be drawn there between Ava’s personal history and our national history, a need to address the impact and legacy of the violence of British rule.”
Ali is a frustrated DJ, whose passion for music guides audiences through this modern-day romance. A mixture of electro, rap, folk and ’80s rock from the likes of Bob Dylan, The Specials, Buzzcocks and Sylvan Esso permeates this tale.
Ali’s carefree attitude comes as a breath of fresh air to Ava whose love of folk music stands in contrast to Ali’s distinct personal tastes.
Ali & Ava follows on from Clio’s 2017 release Dark River starring Sean Bean, continuing her exploration of the North on-screen, albeit in choosing to focus on love and hope over trauma and abuse.
A film that initially appears to be based upon a simplistic premise, slow-burning mutual attraction, Ali & Ava’s strength lies in its ability to transform everyday domestic scenarios into touching, private moments.
“There are few big dramatic moments, and certainly no cliches,” says Claire of the project.
“Reading the script, you could see that there was the room and the space and the pauses for the relationships to really shine.”
It is a subject that leads Claire to reflect on the preconceived ideas of romance she herself held early in life.
Noting Ali & Ava is an opportunity to show that love can flourish in all manner of situations, the actress says the film illustrates that love need not have an age limit.
“I remember being younger and having the misguided notion that first of all, older people aren’t attracted to each other, let alone having sex,” says Claire with a smile.
“But also, stories about that demographic would be cosy, rose tinted, and focus on just holding hands on park benches. And of course, now I’m that age, I know. I know the reality.
“And I see around me just ordinary people who all have, I’m sure, an extraordinary story in them.”
■ Ali & Ava is available to watch in UK cinemas now.