Synopsis: Jack Malik is a struggling singer-songwriter in an English seaside town whose dreams of fame are rapidly fading despite the fierce devotion and support of his childhood best friend, Ellie. After a freak bus accident during a mysterious global blackout, Jack wakes up to discover that The Beatles never existed. Performing songs by the greatest band in history to a world that has never heard them, Jack becomes an overnight sensation.
Runtime: 116 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for suggestive content and language)
Who should see it? Fans of The Beatles and romantic comedies.
Directed by Danny Boyle and featuring a screenplay by Richard Curtis,
Yesterday is a lighthearted summer rom-com which coasts on the charming implications of its fascinating premise. For example, Jack struggles to remember the lyrics to "Eleanor Rigby," and Google can't help him out of this memory bind... Not to mention that The Beatles aren't the only thing the world has forgotten, a tidbit which fuels several jokes throughout the film's runtime. A lacking explanation behind the world's selective pop-culture amnesia will surely ruffle some feathers, but I wasn't too bothered because I presume whatever reasoning Curtis and Boyle concocted would prove to be ridiculously convoluted.
Yesterday remains simple from start-to-finish, telling the story of an overnight sensation. However, the premise of Yesterday lends a refreshing perspective to the familiar archetype. Jack must grapple with the guilt of exploiting the greatest pop-music nobody else remembers to fuel his rising stardom. Additionally, his success strains his personal relationships. Boyle and Curtis remain focused on these dilemmas as they strum through many of The Beatles' greatest hits, and neither the consequences of fame or the film's charming sensibilities are lost in the shuffle.
Himesh Patel and Lily James lead the affair with giddy charisma and share a sincere connection. While it would have been nice to hear James sing considering her scene-stealing display in last year's
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Patel tactfully covers The Beatles' beloved tunes with a warm, delicate approach and pleasant singing voice. Otherwise, Ed Sheeran, Joel Fry, and Kate McKinnon are amusing in their respective supporting roles.
Like the best Beatles hits, Yesterday is an easygoing crowdpleaser that'll make your troubles seem so far away.
Film Assessment: B
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