Rye Lane

In cinemas now

Raine Allen-Miller’s debut feature offers a fresh new take on the romcom which draws from the genre classics of old but simultaneously wraps its narrative in a colourful and vibrant love letter to South London.    

Nathan Bryon and Tom Melia’s smart screenplay tells the story of two jilted lovers, played cooly by Vivian Oparah and David Jonsson, whose chance encounter leads them to embark on a spontaneous bout of freestyle relationship therapy while pounding the streets of Peckham and Brixton together. Naturally, the chemistry between Oparah and Jonsson is critical to Rye Lane’s appeal, and they make for a charming couple that is easy to root for.

But what is most impressive about this picture is its sheer effervescence, which ensures that local landmarks such as Rye Lane Market and Peckhamplex look every bit as hip as they feel to Londoners and ‘in the know’ tourists alike. That is due in no small part to Allen-Miller’s assured direction and Olan Collardy’s bright cinematography, as well as a lush soundtrack that features new music from Sampha and classics from A Tribe Called Quest (always a winner with this writer) and Salt-N-Peppa.