Last week, we invited friends over for dinner and a movie. I had dinner under control but couldn’t decide on a movie. I knew I didn’t want a thriller or tear-jerker or anything artsy that would tax my tired brain cells. So, I decided to look for a rom-com.

  While driving around that day, I heard an interview of Vivian Oparah, one of the main characters in Rye Lane, a British rom-com that debuted in the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. The movie is about Yas and Dom (David Jonsson) who each just has endured a painful break-up. Shortly after their respective break ups, they meet (sort of) in a unisex bathroom where Dom is in a stall, crying his heart out. Yas checks out the bottom of the stall, sees his pink converse sneakers, then asks if Dom if he is okay. Through wracking sobs, Dom claims he’s fine. Yas leaves.

A few minutes later, they separately arrive at a mutual friend’s art showing. Yas recognizes Dom’s pink sneakers. She strikes up a conversation with him which launches them on a daylong walk/talk romp around south London.

 This 84-minute film is in constant motion, starting with the dialogue, which is fast and funny. Unless you are from south London, make sure to use subtitles. Even with subtitles, I probably missed 30% of what was said because the subtitles were zipping by faster than I could read them. However, that’s what the pause button on the remote is for, right?

The plot moves quickly and includes plenty of action. The pair is in constant motion, moving from one place to another: the art gallery, restaurants, at a family barbecue. I didn’t quite catch what was going on at all times. I plan a second viewing to clear up some details.

The chemistry between Yas and Dom is entertaining and provides great narrative tension. You hope the relationship works out. At the same time, you wonder if nerdy Dom will be able to handle Yas, who is a lot and in fact, might be too much. Across the board, the acting is great, including sparkling performances by the two main characters and several minor characters  This engaging film showcases the considerable talent of first-time director, Raine Allen-Miller.

  The cinematographer, Olan Collardy, took gorgeous shots of south London, with vibrant colors popping in every scene. The movie was a visual treat with many shots of fascinating people Dom and Yas pass on the street: a cowboy in blue, a restaurant crooner, a balloon lady, a Qigong class. Even though I wasn’t familiar with much of the background music, I enjoyed it all.

  I liked the ending. Not too tidy, but satisfying enough. If you are looking for a funny, intelligent rom com, consider watching Rye Lane.