Ali & Ava (2022)

Dry finds the romance poignant and charming, praising the leads’ engaging performances and the film’s hopeful portrayal of unexpected connection. The review notes that Ali’s family and community are less fully developed than Ava’s.

Cole finds the film a richly observed, emotionally complex story that avoids the misery of conventional social realism. He particularly praises Claire Rushbrook’s expressive performance and Barnard’s vivid visual and sonic flourishes.

Chang finds the film a charming, open-hearted love story that makes hardship feel less bleak. He especially praises the superbly paired performances of Adeel Akhtar and Claire Rushbrook.

The critic calls it Barnard’s most accomplished film since The Arbor and praises its generous, naturalistic approach to romance. They single out Bradford’s lively multicultural setting and the way it remains integral to the couple’s story.

Kermode finds the romance unexpectedly warm, tender and compelling. He singles out the lead performances and the film’s naturalistic shifts in tone for praise.

Webb finds the film a charming, assured romance that balances social realism with hope. She especially praises Claire Rushbrook and Adeel Akhtar’s effortless chemistry and the music woven into their relationship.

O’Sullivan finds the romance beautiful, unpredictable and carried by irresistible characters, though some late developments feel too neat. She particularly praises the joyful soundtrack and Barnard’s textured, quirky editing.

The critic finds the film tender, joyful and among Clio Barnard’s best, despite a few misfires. They single out the lived-in lead performances and the film’s deft balance of humor and darker realities.

Newland finds the film a poignant, tender romance that balances sweetness with the complications of family life. She particularly praises Adeel Akhtar and Claire Rushbrook’s naturalistic performances and the believable rapport between their characters.

Debruge finds the film a lovely, tender account of two lonely people growing closer across their differences. He praises the way music brings them together and helps them understand one another.

The page identifies this as a Cannes review, but its verdict is not visible. The accessible text does not reveal what the critic praised or criticised.

Felperin finds the film a warm, hopeful romance but a dramatically slight one. She singles out Akhtar and Rushbrook’s performances and the intimate cinematography for praise.

The available page does not reveal the critic’s verdict. It also provides no verifiable praise or complaint to summarize.

Bernard finds the film consistently enjoyable and compelling, with a heartfelt portrayal of two lonely adults connecting. She especially praises Akhtar and Rushbrook’s natural chemistry and nuanced performances.

The critic calls it an exquisitely told love story, praising its empathetic portrayal of two lonely people. They single out the excellent performances by Adeel Akhtar and Claire Rushbrook, alongside Clio Barnard’s direction.

Smith calls the film a charmer and Barnard’s most accessible, hopeful work to date. She particularly praises the leads’ chemistry and the film’s vivid, humane portrayal of working-class community.

Capaldi finds the romance exquisitely calibrated and tender. She singles out how the characters’ shared music deepens their connection and reflects their growing intimacy.

The critic finds the romance gently charming and praises Barnard’s careful, empathetic storytelling. Claire Rushbrook’s warm performance as Ava is singled out as a particular pleasure.

Walker finds the romance messy and overstuffed, but emotionally honest and warmly appealing. She praises the gentle performances and the vivid, lovingly drawn sense of Bradford and its people.

The page's URL identifies this as a Cannes review, but the article text is unavailable. Its verdict and specific praise or criticism therefore cannot be verified.