Direction: Raine Allen-Miller
Country: UK
This heartwarming first film by Raine Allen-Miller is not a trifle. It’s a British romcom with a cool urban touch and modernly kitsch visuals that manages to deliver the requisite laughs and romantic heat.
Dom (David Jonsson), a young accountant emotionally affected by the recent breakup with his girlfriend, exchanges a few words with the spirited Yas (Vivian Oparah) while in toilet partitions of a gallery. Minutes later, they meet in person and spontaneously decide to spend the day together. They will experience a few unexpected situations while walking leisurely through the Rye Lane Market - there's this weird lunch with Dom’s ex; a karaoke moment that starts embarrassingly regrettable and ends successfully motivating; a big quarrel whose apparent origin is the record The Low and Theory by A Tribe Called Quest; a scrumptious tortilla prepared and served by Colin Firth (a cameo appearance); and more.
It’s easy to see there was no cut corners in the production values - customs, scenarios, props, and soundtrack are proper and appealing. Moreover, the two leads harmonize perfectly on screen, playing an endearingly light duet in tones of pink and violet.
Sometimes Rye Lane wanders, almost with a carefree zeal, following a plot that, even sagging, has no decline in amusement. The viewers’ expectations are ultimately met, making us wonder what Allen-Miller is planning to do next.
