Parents' Guide to

Rye Lane

By Stefan Pape, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Charming British romcom has language, some sexual content.

Movie R 2023 82 minutes
Rye Lane movie poster

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • Rye Lane: A young Black man and woman sit talking on a park bench
  • Rye Lane: A young Black man and woman laugh together as the woman points at the man
  • Rye Lane: A young Black man and woman perform karaoke together

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 1 parent review

wanthonygerard
wanthonygerard Parent of 18+-year-old
August 27, 2023
age 14+

Falling in love

Rye Lane makes you fall in love, regardless of who you are or where you are from. Set in South London, this is a vibrant, quirky film about the real meaning of love. We watch two people meet and fall in love, arguing their way thru a day of craziness as they both deal with facing their ex’s, and their own emotional baggage. They bond over true friendship, not Hollywood romance or from arousing neurotransmitters. ( eg. they don’t bond thru sex). The movie also makes you fall in love with South London and all it’s amazing colors, vendors, streets and culture. It deals with adult themes, and sex if often discussed. But both characters seem real and their relationship is witty and charming.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

RYE LANE tells the story of Dom (David Jonsson) and Yas (Vivian Oparah), who meet at a mutual friend's art exhibition in Peckham, London. Initially bonding over a shared ordeal of having both recently broken up from their long-term relationships, the pair set off on a walk around this vibrant South London neighborhood, getting to know one another, and realizing that perhaps there could be someone else out there, after all.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

This British romcom is sure to go down as a modern classic. Rye Lane's director Raine Allen-Miller has managed to pay homage to the familiar tropes of the romantic comedy genre, yet crafted something that feels new and unique. Influences range from Richard Linklater's Before trilogy to When Harry Met Sally, with a sprinkling of Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing. But the film stands tall on its own feet, too. Those familiar with the area will relish seeing Peckham in all its glory, filmed with such an affectionate, warm eye. Others will enjoy exploring this vibrant part of London. The movie takes stylistic risks, too: The framing and lens used take a little while to get used to. But this only adds to the film's character. Talking of which, central characters Dom and Yas -- two names that will come to feel like they've belonged together forever -- are played superbly by Jonsson and Oparah. The two actors perfectly balance the comedic elements (of which there are many, this is laugh-out-loud on occasion) with the more poignant elements, straddling that tricky line in triumphant fashion. The way Dom smiles at Yas is everything. This film is everything.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what Rye Lane says about relationships and where they can spring from. Did Dom and Yas' coming together feel realistic? What drew them to each other? How did this film compare to other romcoms?

  • The film is set in a multicultural part of London with diverse characters that reflect this. What did this add to the movie? Why representation matters in kids' media.

  • Would you describe Dom and Yas as positive role models? Why, or why not? What character strengths did they both display?

  • Talk about the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?

  • How was sex and nudity portrayed? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.

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