Claire Rushbrook and Adeel Akhtar give magnificent performances at the center of this cross-cultural romance from British filmmaker Clio Barnard. A charismatic, Bradford-set drama energised by a rousingly eclectic soundtrack, Ali & Ava intimately unfurls the knotted entanglements of life and love.

With wit and a rebellious edge, Darren Thornton’s charming debut feature proves that even “mad” girls deserve their sweet coming-of-age story. Seána Kerslake is irresistible as the titular firecracker, her explosive personality hiding an endearing mess of virulent insecurities and unavowed desires.

Director Bart Layton has always been fascinated by the ways documentary can intersect with storytelling, and this sophomore feature blends nonfiction with dramatic reconstructions to riveting ends. Starring the brilliant Barry Keoghan, American Animals is a thrilling tale of rich kids gone wild.