17.5.23
Films of 2023 ranked and reviewed (UK/Qatar release date) – https://boxd.it/kpU9E
Despite being rather lightweight and guilty of underusing its veracious soundtrack, it’s nice to see a film which celebrates the vibrancy of South London without thinking of the crippling rents and divisive politics. Rye Lane takes the form of an imaginative but predictable rom-com that follows a chance encounter between the dual leads Yas and Dom. Here we see a portrait of the Black British community; socialising and squabbling, but at the same time unabashedly being themselves. There’s plenty of Wray & Nephew rum and Dunne’s jerk seasoning in sight to add to the authenticity of the film’s rich culture.
I really like the chemistry between the pair as they get to know each other’s switches, especially as they wander the familiar streets of Peckham and Brixton. These areas are portrayed incredibly accurately, capturing the essence of the capital’s vibrant multiculturalism, as well as satisfying those looking for mapped consistency from street to street. Fans of Dragon’s Den UK and supermarket sauce aisles will spot the ‘Reggae Reggae’ icon, and there’s a great A-List appearance at the beautifully named ‘Love Guac’tually’ cafe.
Rye Lane has proved significantly popular in the UK and will no doubt leave a positive impact on the area’s celebrated communal surroundings. The film’s themes of singlehood, loyalty and ‘just seeing where things go’ have obviously resonated with audiences, and in particular our youth culture. I know this because my students who usually just stick to what’s at the cinema or on Netflix asked me if I had seen this!
It’s on me that I expected something rawer and with something more serious to say, but that shouldn’t detract anyone from seeking this out. It seems to get harder and harder being a young person experiencing the toxic world of social media, dating and heartbreak these days, and if this film acts as a beacon of hope to the real world Yas’ and Doms out there, well I’m all for that.