The past twelve months have seen a spate of films inspired by the discography of some of the world's greatest musicians. Between ABBA's Mamma Mia sequel, the Elton John-inspired Rocketman and the much-derived but Oscar-winning Bohemian Rhapsody, Hollywood is in the market of building a cinematic experience around our favourite songs of yesteryear and today. It is Liverpudlian four-piece The Beatles whose music forms the basis of Yesterday, the latest rom-com from Richard Curtis directed by Danny Boyle.
When struggling singer-songwriter Jack Malik is knocked off his bike at the very same time the world experiences a bizarre blackout, he soon realises that he is the only person in the world to remember The Beatles. With fame and success comes pressure and responsibility and Jack finds himself questioning whether it's worth the risk. Introducing Himesh Patel (at least to audiences who don't know him as Tamwar from Eastenders) and co-starring Lily James, Kate McKinnon and Ed Sheeran, Yesterday will hope to position itself as summer counterprogramming to audiences who long for something less blockbusting.
Conceptually, films don't come quite as original as Yesterday: while it is packaged in slightly more familar window dressing, the idea at its heart is refreshingly bold and audacious. Richard Curtis clearly has fun with the screenplay, weaving The Beatles' tunes into the film and scoring the most poignant moments with some of the group's very best work. Featuring all the trademarks - cheesy but effective dialogue, delightful humour and a slight self-awareness - this is clearly a Curtis effort. But those expecting an airtight explanation of the exciting premise may be unimpressed with Yesterday's relutance to explore the hows and whys; it is the film's hope that you have been sufficently charmed enough by the time you realise that you the phenomenon at its centre won't be fully explored or explained.
Thankfully, the expertise of Mr. Boyle strengthen a potentially flimsy film, imbuing it with a visual flair and frothy energy that make it a perfect cocktail for the summer season. Sweet, light and bright, it finds a sharp tonal balance that it maintains from open to close -- even as its story struggles to deliver on its potential, Boyle keeps us pleasantly delighted. It's a little on the long side, registering at 116 minutes, but the songs are well-distributed throughout and it never overstays its welcome.
Himesh Patel is a more than capable lead as his solid vocals and deadpan humour perfectly suits the role of Jack Malik. There's perhaps not a great deal of range to the starring turn but when he lands on something profound - the Yesterday revelation and a stirring rendition of The Long & Winding Road - he really convinces. Likewise, Lily James proves herself to once again be a literal ray of sunshine, bringing an infectious energy that elevates the more tenuous romance subplot considerably; the pairing of Patel and James is a clever one, as the more experienced James is able to cultivate a genuine chemistry and bring the best out of Patel in his feature debut. Although the story's is romance is a little uninspired, their scenes are frequent highlights and they make quite the believable duo.
Kate McKinnon is playing Kate McKinnon playing a label executive and it's an utterly amazing thing to witness. It's a brilliantly indulgent, frequently funny and endlessly enjoyable supporting turn that fans of the comedian will lap up, and her sheer energy should win her some new supporters too. McKinnon is evidently having a blast and the audience will too. Additionally, it's easy to see why the filmmakers envisioned Ed Sheeran as the perfect fit for the film, and while his acting chops leave a little to be desired, it's a serviceable turn that fulfills what it needs to. Thankfully, he is used rather sparingly.
Armed with an eclectic soundtrack of spirited covers (although Lily James is widly underused in this respect) and an infectious, bubbly energy, Yesterday is a light and bright slice of summer entertainment that will appeal to the masses. Richard Curtis' screenwriting stamp is detected all over it, while Danny Boyle provides it with a handful of directorial flourishes that enrich the experience. While it ulimately buckles under the weight of its audacious premise, culminating with a clean but unconvincing conclusion that fails to answer the whys, it charms you enough to forgive its pitfalls. For the most part, Yesterday will make you troubles seem so far away.
7/10
Summary: Yesterday may not live up to the promise of its premise, but as a light and bright slice of summer entertainment, and as an ode to The Beatles, it's a solid effort that boasts a lively soundtrack and charming cast performances.
Conceptually, films don't come quite as original as Yesterday: while it is packaged in slightly more familar window dressing, the idea at its heart is refreshingly bold and audacious. Richard Curtis clearly has fun with the screenplay, weaving The Beatles' tunes into the film and scoring the most poignant moments with some of the group's very best work. Featuring all the trademarks - cheesy but effective dialogue, delightful humour and a slight self-awareness - this is clearly a Curtis effort. But those expecting an airtight explanation of the exciting premise may be unimpressed with Yesterday's relutance to explore the hows and whys; it is the film's hope that you have been sufficently charmed enough by the time you realise that you the phenomenon at its centre won't be fully explored or explained.
Thankfully, the expertise of Mr. Boyle strengthen a potentially flimsy film, imbuing it with a visual flair and frothy energy that make it a perfect cocktail for the summer season. Sweet, light and bright, it finds a sharp tonal balance that it maintains from open to close -- even as its story struggles to deliver on its potential, Boyle keeps us pleasantly delighted. It's a little on the long side, registering at 116 minutes, but the songs are well-distributed throughout and it never overstays its welcome.
Himesh Patel is a more than capable lead as his solid vocals and deadpan humour perfectly suits the role of Jack Malik. There's perhaps not a great deal of range to the starring turn but when he lands on something profound - the Yesterday revelation and a stirring rendition of The Long & Winding Road - he really convinces. Likewise, Lily James proves herself to once again be a literal ray of sunshine, bringing an infectious energy that elevates the more tenuous romance subplot considerably; the pairing of Patel and James is a clever one, as the more experienced James is able to cultivate a genuine chemistry and bring the best out of Patel in his feature debut. Although the story's is romance is a little uninspired, their scenes are frequent highlights and they make quite the believable duo.
Kate McKinnon is playing Kate McKinnon playing a label executive and it's an utterly amazing thing to witness. It's a brilliantly indulgent, frequently funny and endlessly enjoyable supporting turn that fans of the comedian will lap up, and her sheer energy should win her some new supporters too. McKinnon is evidently having a blast and the audience will too. Additionally, it's easy to see why the filmmakers envisioned Ed Sheeran as the perfect fit for the film, and while his acting chops leave a little to be desired, it's a serviceable turn that fulfills what it needs to. Thankfully, he is used rather sparingly.
Armed with an eclectic soundtrack of spirited covers (although Lily James is widly underused in this respect) and an infectious, bubbly energy, Yesterday is a light and bright slice of summer entertainment that will appeal to the masses. Richard Curtis' screenwriting stamp is detected all over it, while Danny Boyle provides it with a handful of directorial flourishes that enrich the experience. While it ulimately buckles under the weight of its audacious premise, culminating with a clean but unconvincing conclusion that fails to answer the whys, it charms you enough to forgive its pitfalls. For the most part, Yesterday will make you troubles seem so far away.
7/10
Summary: Yesterday may not live up to the promise of its premise, but as a light and bright slice of summer entertainment, and as an ode to The Beatles, it's a solid effort that boasts a lively soundtrack and charming cast performances.