"Everyone in the world has forgotten the Beatles. Everyone except Jack" in Yesterday. This British romantic comedy film directed by Danny Boyle and written by Richard Curtis. 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 have never existed. Performing songs by the greatest band in history to a world that has never heard them, Jack becomes on overnight sensation with a little help from his agent.
In March 2018, a musical comedy set in the 1960s or 70s and would centre on "a struggling musician who thinks he's the only person who can remember The Beatles" written by Curtis was announced as Boyle's next film after departing from Bond 25 over creative differences. Later that month, Himesh Patel and Lily James were cast in the lead roles. By late April, Kate McKinnon, Ed Sheeran, Lamorne Morris, Sophia Di Martino, Joel Fry and Harry Michell rounded out the film's cast. Around the same time, principal photography began under the pseudonym Polo, filming took place around England and Los Angeles. Specifically, all around Suffolk in Halesworth, Dunwich, Shingle Street, Latitude Festival and Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, Gorleston-on-Sea Beach in Norfolk, and Wembley Stadium. In February 2019, the title of the film was announced as Yesterday. Including the Beatles songs was no easy task, as it cost the filmmakers an estimated $10 million in order to secure the rights from Apple Records and Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Boyle informed the surviving members and widows of the band about the film and received their blessings. With one reply he described as "lovely" from Ringo Starr. According to Boyle, some 20 Beatles songs were secured for use in the film, of which about 17 appear in the final cut.
The film stars Himesh Patel, Lily James, Ed Sheeran, Joel Fry, and Kate McKinnon. The cast gave solid performances with Patel giving fine covers of classic Beatles songs, and have solid chemistry with James, who provides the heart of the film. Sheeran provided equal acting talents on top of his vocal even though he was playing himself. McKinnon gave a surprising and love-to-hate performance as the ruthless agent.
Practically bursting with its love for the Beatles, Yesterday builds past its formulaic story when it captures the euphoria of singing a song you love. A nostalgic ode to the power of music so tender and heartfelt but not to the extent that it disarms even the most misanthropic critic's instincts. However, the film is a breath of fresh air, though not because it feels new or unconventional. Rather, it deals strictly with the familiar (for better and for worse), though it does so with incredible passion. A charming and loving tribute to the music of the Beatles, the film is a predictable but enjoyable crowd-pleaser.
Simon says Yesterday receives:
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