(2023 ranking)

2023 just dropped its first banger. Rye Lane wears the Before Sunrise and Annie Hall influences proudly on its sleeve, but it’s fierce as fuck energy and vibrancy mean that this is very much its own unique beast. 

You really buy into the authenticity of the film, especially in the relationship of Yas and Dom. And it is not only testament to Tom Melia’s spectacular script, but to David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah’s fantastic performances too. 

But the authenticity is juxtaposed by the vignettes, the cutaways and the scenes within scenes, which I absolutely adored. They are utilised perfectly, and make for some of the most impressive sequences, as well as some of the funniest. 

There wasn’t one thing I didn’t love. Charming, romantic, lively and some great cameos too (including a surprise Best Actor Oscar winner). I want to rewatch it again right now.