Recently dumped strangers form a romantic bond during an eventful day in bustling London. Rye Lane captivates with imaginative cinematics, dynamic settings and hilarious protagonists. Director Raine Allen-Miller stuns in her feature debut, embarking on a whimsical journey where opposites discover an undeniable magnetic attraction. They learn the value of being valued without sacrificing yourself for narcissistic and indulgent partners. True love blossoms with acceptance and just the right amount of excitement. Your heart will swoon between fits of raucous laughter in this amazing new rom-com.
Yas (Vivian Oparah) rushes to the unisex bathroom during her friend's art gallery exhibition. She hears uncontrollable sobbing in the stable next to her. Dom (David Jonsson) cries as he checks social media posts from Gia (Karene Peter) with Eric (Benjamin Sarpong-Broni), his best friend. An intrigued Yas looks under the stall and sees a pair of pink sneakers. She is surprised to see Dom wearing the unusual kicks at the exhibit.
Yas must know the source of Dom's fear. He sadly tells how a six-year relationship ended with deceit and crushing betrayal. Yas admits that she also just broke up with her boyfriend. Dom's tears are in stark contrast to her cheerful demeanor. Yas has no emotional baggage - she has embraced her newfound freedom.
A seemingly mismatched pair
Dom tells Yas that he is going to have lunch with Gia and Eric. Yas wonders, "Why would he torture himself like that?" Dom goes because he wants to know what he did to push his lover away. Yas warns that his attempted closure is a bad idea. He rejects her outrageous offer to go with him to the diner. After all, she's just a random person he just met. They go their separate ways, but fate has other plans for the seemingly mismatched couple.
Yas and Dom's chance meeting sets the fuse for cinematic fireworks. Allen-Miller's vision is fantastic to behold. Her camera work, lighting and editing choices are extraordinary. The characters are initially shot in close-ups, but as they move into busy streets, the perspective changes to wide-angle. Panoramic and fisheye lenses are used to capture the colorful surroundings. The couple is kept in the center, but we see everything in their direct hemisphere. This is especially impressive as they pass through shops, gardens and busy intersections. It is an enchanting effect that draws the audience deeper into the story.
Allen-Miller has the protagonists appear as observers in each other's memories. They relive and comment on previous woes with sharp comedic timing. It's hysterical to watch Yas grow frustrated with her ex-boyfriend's (Malcolm Atobrah) huge ego. The flashback scenes show how much effort people put into making indifferent partners happy. It is a losing battle if that level of nurturing and attention is not reciprocated. Yas and Dom were taken for granted, a realization that sinks in as they discover what they previously lacked in their lives: someone who cares about their feelings.
A great date movie
The film is bursting with infectious energy. There are no downbeats as the pair traverse a cosmopolitan metropolis. They encounter different cultures as Yas pushes Dom to push his limits; while providing the honest and unconditional support she desperately craves. Rye Lane is a great date movie. Hollywood beware. Allen-Miller has a lot of talent.
Rye Lane is a DJ Films, Turnover Films, BBC Film and BFI production. It has a streaming premiere on March 31 on Searchlight Pictures' Hulu.
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