Rye Lane

As I obviously was not in attendance at Sundance Film Festival... I am just now getting to see some of the films as they are being slowly released to the public. Rye Lane is one I've heard an awful lot of praise about, so I knew I had to check it out right away.

Let me tell you, all that praise is justified! This movie is WONDERFUL! It's a smart, funny and heartwarming rom-com, truly such a gem of cinema. It's a stunning directorial debut from Raine Allen-Miller, filled with energy, style, colour, romance, laughs, charm and emotion. The movie just loves life! It hits like a bolt of energy, and is a pure feel good film from start to finish. The film does such a good job at showing off how hard it is to make meaningful connections between people in this day and age, while also showing an unexpected blossoming romance between two people who share an unlikely but pure connection. I just loved following them as we see them genuinely connect with one another! There's this really easy energy between Jonsson and Oparah which makes the movie feel like a walk in the park. The writing was also exceptional, and the direction creative. The film just has so much heart and depth, it's so loveable and shows how love can come into our lives at the most unexpected of times. One of the great rom-coms, you gotta see it! It'll warm your heart, I loved it! I really need more films from this director pronto!

And I couldn't help but love the quick Colin Firth cameo!

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.

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 an all time great rom com, efficient in moving through all the tropes with bottomless charm and a level of visual craft rarely seen within this genre. Obviously it's also really funny with several memorable moments rife with effective cringe.

David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah are just phenomenal. They bring out the best in each other with chemistry that's so natural resulting in the initial awkwardness evolving into a real connection. Vivian Oparah is the standout though with an instant and boundless energy which hides a sadness.

Raine Allen-Miller's direction is so good that even something as off putting as a fish eye lens works seamlessly. From the very first scene it's so inventive and that thankfully never lets up. There's so much detail in it as well, background extras make themselves known in subtle ways which just make everything even more fully realised.

Thoroughly enjoyed this film it kept me entertained from start to finish. Performances were excellent by both leads. My only minor quibble is that for Jonsson voice acting and enunciation exercises are needed. I had to struggle to hear his lines at times and they were not articulated clearly. I can only describe it as mumble mouth. I have seen him in other films, shows and have the same issue. Other than that I highly recommend this film. It is quirky, unique and showcases relationships that unfortunately are very rarely seen in media especially in the U. K. It is impressive to me that they were even able to get this film made.