The gripping film - available to watch on BBC - has been described as 'hard-hitting' and 'thought-provoking'09:30, 12 Jun 2026An “amazing” drama that made viewers “cry and laugh” is now available to stream.‌In 2021, romantic drama Ali & Ava was released, which follows the romance between teaching assistant Ava, played by Claire Rushbrook, and landlord Ali, played by Adeel Akhtar.‌Although the pair start a friendship built on a mutual love of music, feelings gradually develop between the two and the couple are forced to overcome their respective familial entanglements and prejudices.‌Written and directed by BAFTA-nominated Clio Barnard, the film is set in the northern English city of Bradford and boasts a 94% Rotten Tomatoes rating and a 6.7 out of 10 on IMDb.Ali & Ava, which is available to watch on BBC iPlayer, also received rave reviews from critics and viewers when it was released. On IMDb, one person declared, “As good as cinema gets.‌“Once upon a time this would have been called 'kitchen-sink' but for now let's just call it British realism, but whatever 'Ali & Ava' is, it's a feather in the cap or maybe even a jewel in the crown of British cinema."They added: “It's a Clio Barnard movie, which is really all you need to know. She may not be a household name and in America is probably not known at all, but she's one of the best directors working in cinema, and this hard-hitting, but deeply affectionate film is a joy from start to finish.”‌Someone else added: “I found this movie so so beautiful. It made me cry and laugh, so it's worthy. Finally, a love story that doesn't look like an expensive fragrance TV advertisement (aka: Call me by your name...).“Complex characters, in complex situations (low class), with complex backgrounds (child trauma, violent experiences...) that fall in love but also they discover themselves. And finally, two main characters that don’t seem like fashion models!!! People with asymmetries and with imperfections!!”‌A third also penned: “There's no big set pieces here, no flashy cinematic tricks. This is simple, raw and honest filmmaking. A thought-provoking window into lives that may tell us more about ourselves than we realise.”Meanwhile, talking to The Guardian, writer and director Clio Barnard revealed she was determined to make Ali & Ava a hopeful film.She explained: “I wanted to make something that honoured the people on Holme Wood and the city they live in, and the relationship Tracy [O’Riordan, Clio’s producer] and I have with the city because we’ve been making films there since 2008.”Article continues belowThe talented writer also highlighted the importance of creating something positive in a time when good news is rarely spoken of. She said: “The way Adeel talks about it is joy is an act of resistance, and kindness is a courageous act. And we’ve seen a lot of divisiveness from politicians for their own gain, but what I’ve witnessed on the ground is people actually being extraordinarily kind and supportive to each other. And I wanted to celebrate that.”Ali & Ava is available to watch on BBC iPlayer