“Rye Lane” warms up screens everywhere

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Four out of five stars

Spoilers Ahead

“Rye Lane” was recently released on Hulu after its 2023 premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. The film Raine Allen-Miller’s directorial debut and screenwriter Nathan Byron’s first feature film that he collaborated on with Tom Melia. 

Fun fact, this film was originally titled “Vibes and Stuff.”

This unique rom-com takes place in South London and follows the main characters Dom, portrayed by David Jonsson, and Yas, portrayed by Vivian Oparah, after an awkward meeting in a public restroom. However, they quickly begin to click and realize they have a lot in common, including having recently been through breakups. 

A few months earlier, Dom learned that his girlfriend was cheating on him with his best friend. Around the same time, Yas claims she broke up with her boyfriend.

One of my favorite parts of this film is the chemistry between Dom and Yas. There’s nothing worse than a rom-com where the two main characters have nothing but platonic energy.

Much of the film centers around the two of them exploring and just conversing with one another. It’s simple; however, it’s the simplicity that really makes this film stand out.

My other favorite part of this film was the emotionally level playing field that both Yas and Dom were given. For one, they both aren’t shy to talk about their insecurities or open up with one another. 

Also, throughout the film, Yas appears as the more confident and less timid one; however, later in the film there’s a moment where Dom helps Yas out of her shell when she’s afraid to perform karaoke with him.

Another thing that I loved about this film was how colorful it was. Between the costume and set designs, to the lighting choices, and the way each shot was framed there was never a lack of color on screen. 

This just enhanced the plot even more because that initial feeling of attraction was visibly represented in the cinematography.

Also, if you still aren’t sold, there’s a scene where the two visit a Mexican restaurant named “Gauc-actually,” and none other than Colin Firth himself is running the shop.

One thing that I wasn’t a huge fan of, though, was the use of a fisheye lens throughout the film. The first time they used it I immediately pointed it out and thought it was an odd choice. 

Then throughout the film, they continued to utilize it, and each time I was taken out of the story a bit.

I also felt that the third act of the film was lacking. After spending the day together, Dom and Yas split ways after it’s revealed that Yas was actually the one that got broken up with, leaving Dom upset that she lied to him. 

The conflict felt forced, and it was clear they were quickly trying to get to that “all is lost” point. As a result, this moment occurred pretty late in the film, which led to a very rushed resolution.

That being said, I appreciated that this ending allowed for Dom and Yas to both grow and achieve some of their personal goals before finding each other again. I also loved that this film ended with Yas going big and giving Dom the grand gesture that he was always used to giving.