A
fanciful, ‘what if’ tale that is a
kinder, gentler Twilight Zone, Yesterday is a valentine to dreamers and
fans waxing nostalgic for The Beatles. As
directed by Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire,
127 Hours) from a screenplay by Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually), it’s an entertaining
fantasy with some amusing moments.
Struggling musician/songwriter Jack Malik (Himesh Patel in an endearing performance) is ready to give up on his singing career when fate intervenes, and he awakens to a world where no one has ever heard of the Beatles. When he sings their songs, the public responds until he becomes a global phenomenon. As fame and fortune reach fever pitch and strains his relationship with his lifelong friend and manager, Ellie (Lily James), Jack makes a life altering choice.
The
film is an excuse to cover a treasure trove of Fab Four classics, and to hear these songs anew is to rediscover
their charm and magic. It’s also about the creative spirit and the price of
stardom, and as with most of Curtis’ best work, they are about the special relationship between a man and a woman. There are subplot wrinkles along the way
including a momentous meeting that shakes up the narrative, and the Google
search engine is used to great, comedic effect. Strong support is provided by Kate McKinnon as
a ruthless music manager, Ed Sheeran as himself, and Joel Fry as a lovable
roadie.
Despite
its fascinating premise that is not quite
fully developed, it represents a growing genre of films where alternate realities
are possible. It’s a feel good
experience with a winning cast and an endearing romance. Time to pull out those Beatles albums!
***
of **** stars (add ½ * for Beatles fans)
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