Director: Raine Allen-Miller
Writers: Nathan Bryon and Tom Melia
Starring: Vivian Oparah and David Jonsson
Not only romantic but hilarious!
Admittedly, meeting someone in a public restroom is not ideal, but for Dom (David Jonsson) it’s exactly what he needs. Yas (Vivian Oparah) has a bright personality that makes conversation easy. Even when the time isn’t exactly appropriate. This is how Dom ends up sharing with Yas the tragic background of his relationship and “the breakup;” when Dom’s at-that-time girlfriend cheated on him with none other than his best friend.
The audience picks up on a lot of nuances in Dom and Yas’s outlook on the world as they walk through the Rye Lane Market. The spontaneous Yas is socially adept and can compliment anyone on the street. The breeze will take Yas anywhere, but she may need more stability to achieve her career goal of working in the fashion industry. Meanwhile, Dom is anxious and self-pitying. Making him a stay-at-home son to a loving mother and father.
Jonsson and Oparah captivate the audience’s attention throughout the film through the portrayal of two juxtaposed characters. Most audience members will feel like they’ve met Dom or Yas, or possibly are like them, as they navigate through challenging relationship changes and life expectations.
Director Raine Allen-Miller breaks down the barriers by utilizing point-of-view shots that allow Dom and Yas to retell their breakups alongside their past selves. While past-Dom discovers his girlfriend’s cheating tendencies, present-Dom and Yas are there watching. Of course, chatting casually and comedically about their failures. Allen-Miller moves away from the one-note version of flashbacks —that only feature the breakup— to take the viewing experience to another level.
Now Dom is on his way to meet his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend for lunch.
Should Yas join Dom’s lunch?
No.
Well, she is going to join anyway.
And goodness, does she join with a complete facade. Not only is she now pretending to be Dom’s girlfriend, but they met at karaoke night pumping up a ‘large’ crowd with their musical genius. The conversation quickly changes to put Dom into a new, and more flattering, light. Giving him the confidence to move out of the sorrows of a breakup.
After lunch, Dom and Yas are attached at the hip. Making it easier for them to learn more about each other and go on an incredulous adventure to get back Yas’s copy of her favorite record from her ex’s place. Writers Nathan Bryon and Tom Melia planned a thoughtful storyline that takes viewers throughout South London. While some parts are hilarious and unexpected, there’s a believable quality to the actions of the characters and their reasoning.
During the film, Dom and Yas break out of their respective shells. This is easy with Yas’s advice: sometimes you just have to let things happen because “it’s good for the soul.”
Plot: ★★★☆☆ 3/5
Cinematography: ★★★★☆ 4/5
Character Arc(s): ★★★★☆ 4/5
