There's a tremendous human warmth to this love story from writer-director Clio Barnard, a social-realist tale that you might compare to Ken Loach's A Fond Kiss. It's a drama of autumnal love conquering the divisions of race, the disillusionments of middle age, the discomfort of parenthood and grand-parenthood, and the tensions of class.

Ali, is a likeable, happy-go-lucky British Asian in Bradford whose family is well-off. They own properties and insofar as Ali has a job, it is going around collecting rent, and he is a genial friend to the tenants and their families. . .

Then, while taking the daughter of one of his tenant families to school, Ali comes across Ava, a woman of Irish heritage who is a classroom assistant. She is a widowed mother whose late husband was an abusive bully, and his ugly attitudes may have infected their son Callum, who has himself become a new father. Ava is a sweet-natured and generous soul, young at heart, fond of music and looking for love.

She instantly clicks with Ali, and their growing relationship inevitably causes problems with their respective clans.

Clio Barnard's film is an essay in acceptance and love, a beautifully observed romantic drama that fizzes with truth and joy and isn’t afraid of tackling serious issues along the way.

Director
Clio Barnard

Date of release
2021

Running time
95 min

Country of origin
United Kingdom

Language
English

Cert 15