Have you own 'Rye Lane' adventure
Illustrator Stella Murphy has created this map which showcases the spots that main characters Dom and Yas visit in Rye Lane. Why not try out this epic south London itinerary yourself?
We all know how it goes. Boy meets girl, they have immediate chemistry, and all the awkward flirting and subtle movements lead to the much-anticipated first kiss. Of course, there are hurdles scattered throughout the plotline, but really, we know we’ll be okay because they’re just so right for each other. It’s proper comfort viewing. Classic romcoms like About Time spiced things up with time travel, Mamma Mia threw in dance numbers, while Four Weddings and a Funeral has that iconic poetry reading scene. But none have done it like this.
A notable addition to the genre, Rye Lane is a freewheeling jaunt through south London that so perfectly reflects London in 2023. Following Dom (David Jonsson) and Yas (Vivian Oparah) on a day-long meander along Rye Lane, it’s a love letter to the capital – soothing to locals and insightful to those who’ve never visited the city before. Think Notting Hill, but with more relatable characters and some of your favourite south London spots thrown into the mix.
In Rye Lane, south London is portrayed in a way that it never has been before; Morley’s becomes a sought-after date night destination, Peckhamplex is the location of a key plot point, and Rye Lane Market is brought to life in vivid colour. This distinct style of director Raine Allen-Miller makes the film feel like a love letter. The cutscenes of kids dancing, people playing music and Londoners pottering about to Kwes’ soundtrack of London music-makers brings beauty to the mundane. As the couple falls in love, you fall in love with London (again).
There’s also a sense of self-awareness that makes the film stand out from other modern romcoms. Rye Lane embraces the structure of its predecessors, leaning into tropes like zinging one-liners and electric eye contact while centring itself on something that’s not often seen on screen, two black protagonists and the vivacious culture of south London where they live. From their meet-cute in the loos of Peckham Levels to their run-in with a famous face at Brixton Village, Yas and Dom are a modern-day double act with magnetic chemistry and a vulnerability that viewers will instantly relate to. Their story feels like one that’s never really been shown on screen before, because it hasn’t.
The London in Rye Lane may be a Utopian version of the city, free from most present-day worries, but it’s a perfect escape. This is a loving homage to life in the capital with characters we all can relate to (not just because they frequent The Ritzy) and just feels like the breath of fresh air we all need right now. Rye Lane is a classic comfort watch for Londoners and those curious about the capital. You can’t miss it.
Rye Lane opens in cinemas Friday March 17.
