Rye Lane

"Rye Lane" aesthetics, vibe and music

if you are looking for something visually pleasing, then just go watch this movie. Amazing cinematography, so colorful and beautiful. The director definitely has an amazing visual sense. I just read a review in which someone wrote, "the movie is like before sunrise and Wes Anderson had a baby", i couldn't agree more. Vivian Oprah and David Jonsson were amazing together. The jokes were amazing. The editing and the story telling style especially when the characters narrates their breakup story were amazing. The music was really good. Aesthetically pleasing. Looking forward to Raine Allen millers future projects.

An unexpected treat. Director Raine Allen-Miller and the writing team of Bryon/Melia essentially de-construct the tired and shop-worn rom-com; then cleverly reassemble it in a form which seems fresh, new, and -- something quite rare for films this year - ENTERTAINING. The dialog is so sharp you could use it to cut open an Amazon package. Check out the line about the pitfalls of trying to impress your true love by letting chocolate melt in bed. And just when you think this can't get any better, you realize you are seeing a true breakout performance from Vivian Oparah, who immediately comes across as someone you want to know and spend time with. Highly recommended. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

Rye Lane is a fun RomCom set in the heart of South London, notably in Peckham and Brixton. We pick up with Dom and Yas who coincidentally bump into each other at an exhibition and realise that they have both come out of long term relationships.

We then enter a day in the life (mostly) story where Dom and Yas discuss how they have dealt with their recent breakups whilst going through several interesting situations.

It was cool to watch a RomCom unapologetically set in South London, with several fun cameos and many genuine laughs.

The runtime is an hour and twenty two minutes but it felt a lot longer than that, mainly due to long conversations and the short period to time that most of film took place over.

I did feel that it started to run out of steam at the end but overall Rye Lane was a nice London RomCom that explored break ups, healing and power of sharing honest stories with others.

'Rye Lane (2023)' feels fresh because of its unique energy and flavour, offering a distinct spin on its well-worn genre by way of directorial flourish and writing prowess. It's this that allows the piece to rise above its familiar plotting and uncomfortably conventional finale. The believably sweet central relationship is strong enough to carry the narrative, primarily due to the witty screenplay and sturdy performances, but it's the extra bits of seasoning sprinkled throughout that really mark it as something special. There's a larger world at play here, one built on background detail and vignette-like side stories, and this grounds the core story in a satisfyingly quirky way. The bright cinematography renders the urban setting with genuine love and the visualised stories with Giallo-like vibrancy. The bouncy editing elevates the quick-witted, ever-so-slightly absurdist humour and is a joy to watch throughout. That's true of the entire affair, really: it's a joy to watch. It's always fun, often funny and rarely misses a bit. It's a sweet romantic comedy that does everything it needs to and more.

This is the kind of film you put on when you're tired and want something lighthearted to enjoy. Dom - quiet, timid, and heartbroken - and Yas - effervescent and forthright - have brilliant chemistry as the two are brought together on a sunny day in south London.

The film is a vibrant picture full of bold bright colour and drives a sense of nostalgia as you watch the pair journey through an eventful day growing a bond between two strangers. Rye Lane feels authentic and you can't help but relate to the highly affable characters and their troubles.

The score behind the picture is very well curated. The story feels like it is beating along rhythmically to a beat that paces well to keep you invested without overwhelming. It's fun and it's finger is on the pulse to the challenges of modern dating and finding deep meaningful connections.

It's impossible to watch this film without letting out a smile.

8/10.