Rye Lane
★★★★
Sometimes simplicity is key when making an effective romantic comedy. Rye Lane is straightforward in its intentions that we often find love at the lowest part of our lives. Still in shock from their recent breakups, Dom (David Jonsson) and Yas (Vivian Oparah) meet cute at an art gallery that you'll never forget, and from there, director Raine Allen-Miller vividly weaves these characters throughout South London in a day full of awkward situations. Everyone can relate to the cringe you feel deep in your stomach when forced to face your ex, and this script delightfully dials up the humor and closure that come out of such situations.
I don't think I've ever seen a film effectively use a fished-eye lens so well and the colors of this rarely-seen London pop with the moods that are invoked on the screen. Rye Lane is more fast-paced than the Before series by Richard Linklater, but it's similar in how dialogue about simple things can form the strongest connections. Sometimes your love life can easily be defined by your favorite musician's album or a simple wave from somebody on a boat.
