Pop Culture Advent 2023: Door 10

Rye Lane

Back in March, I managed to squeeze in a visit to Glasgow Film Fest (GFF), where I was lucky enough to see Rye Lane. It was the penultimate film of the festival and I enjoyed it hugely. Starring David Jonsson (soon to be seen on the BBC in Agatha Christie’s Murder is Easy) and Vivian Oparah (Then You Run, I May Destroy You) as Yas and Dom, two people who meet by chance at an art exhibition held by their mural friend, Nathan. Both Yas and Don have recently gone through breakups with their respective partners, and end up spending the day together.

I had such a great time watching this film. The storytelling is fun and quirky, the script is funny, and the leads adorable. You really do root for these characters. There are some great set pieces, most notably when Yas and Don break into the home of Yas’s ex, to retrieve her favourite record.

What made it particularly unique for me is seeing a rom-com, not just set in London, but within a different part of the city that we’re used to seeing. Rye Lane is a love letter to South London, giving the spotlight to the markets, streets, and real life locals, of Peckham and Brixton.

Rye Lane is the feature directorial debut of Director Raine Allen-Miller, and was co-written by Tom Melia and Nathan Bryon. You may recognise the latter’s name, as Bryon is also known for his many acting roles, including that of Mike’s best friend Obi, in BBC’s Ghosts.

If you’re looking for a delightful, funny, and charming film, to round off your year, I would highly recommend Rye Lane.

Rye Lane can be seen on Disney+ in the UK, and Hulu in the US.