daring and audacious yet tasteful and inventive

Rating: 8/10 (28 August 2019)

For the Beatles aficionados out there the Beatles' back catalogue is like the stone tablets; sacrosanct. And so whoever dares to touch, feel or alter such a catalogue needs to tread very, very lightly. Each note, lyric, instrument and recording are the soundtracks to lives, and hold such gravitas in peoples hearts. Therefore, whoever would be so brave as to tackle the mammoth task of making a full feature length movie about there never being a 'Beatles' had to either be certifiably insane, or a Beatles junkie who could do the story justice.
A struggling singer songwriter Jack Malik (Himesh Patel's big screen debut) is on the verge of an early musical retirement, much to the dismay of childhood friend a manager Ellie (Lily James). A worldwide blackout suddenly occurs and in those 12 seconds Jack is hit by a bus, leaving him with the ability to be the only human who remembers The Beatles (amongst other things) - Just roll with it. Once Jack discovers this phenomena (during a 'singalong' to yesterday which nobody knew) the journey begins wherein he tries to recreate the Beatles' back catalogue. This is of course a painstaking process, and 'tries' is the perfect word to describe the ordeal. He is then faced with guilt and stardom as the lyrics and melodies start to flow, and 'Beatlemania' sweeps the world.
This monumental task was left to none other than Mr Richard Curtis to develop the plot, whom is no stranger to either comedy or indeed musicals (most notably Mama Mia and Pirate Radio). Screenwriters don't get mentioned enough in big productions as the director usually takes centre stage and reaps the rewards. However, Yesterday needs to be an exception because it is one thing to have a concept, but it is another to then make it tangible so that it doesn't become a gimmick or loose its charm too quickly. To say that this movie is predictable is utterly ridiculous, there is a genuine level of surprise in each and every scene - which is just fabulous.
Yesterday is indisputably hilarious. Himesh does a brilliant job of allowing himself to get swept up in subtle disbelief of the whole ordeal which is hilarious in itself. Alongside that the actual recreation of the songs themselves still pay homage to the originals; which was evidently important to everyone involved in the movie. There are of course some scenes which fall slightly flat, however this is simply a matter of taste - may that be comedic or scripting. Having said that, for a Beatle fan it is brilliant to experience people experiencing these magnificent songs for the first time in the movie. Director Danny Boyle has done a great job in capturing the genuine level of excitement, admiration and glee on peoples faces upon hearing these songs, and it's tangible!
This is without a doubt a polished film, which as mentioned can work to its disadvantage in certain scenes. Perhaps that is exactly what Richard and Boyle were going for, in creating a translatable modern depiction of The Beatles and their songs. It certainly isn't offensive, just a good crowdpleaser which gives audiences the space to react in anyway they see fit. You can laugh, cry or just sit and take it in - it's up to you. Beatles fans should not be weary of Yesterday instead should appreciate the level of integrity this movie has through its cast, direction and scripting.