Yesterday

Review of “Yesterday” by Penny Nair Price

In this light hearted cosy film, Himesh Patel plays Jack Malik and Ellie – his manager is played by Lily James. Danny Boyle – the film’s producer says he just knew Himesh was the right person to play the lead role in the film as soon as he auditioned. He also says when the script by Richard Curtis landed on his desk he knew this was a movie he wanted in on – maybe surprising due to its unusual approach to a story. The film was made before Boyle moved on to his ill- fated role as director of the next Bond film but there is little love lost there between Boyle and the Japanese current director of the said Bond saga, Cary Fukumaga with whom Boyle says texts were coming back and forth before he stood down and moved on. “Yesterday” also features amongst other luminaries, kate MicKinnon, James Cordon and Sanjeev Bhaskar.

So what is “Yesterday” about? Well the title is based on a laconic and melancholic early song by The Beatles. But in the imagined time of Jack Malik’s struggle to become a recognized modern singer songwriter in his seaside resort home, The Beatles are forgotten and instead there is a huge void on the internet when their work is searched for giving Jack his big break!

It would be a massive spoiler to disillusion prospective viewers of the film by telling the rest of the story here but disbelief has to be suspended and by doing this the story can unfold and enchant. Characters in the story are slightly overblown and distorted to add to the element of humour – and Ed Sheeran has quite a substantial role playing himself which adds to the quintessential mesmerism of the plot, including footage of concerts in Wembley and Cardiff.

As for an ending…..well there is no ending without a beginning and true to the style of the writer Richard Curtis, the audience is supplied with a satisfactory conclusion to the story to bring smiles rather than tears to the story’s ending. Hard to consider, as the conclusion is back to reality rather than the flight of fancy that the plot takes us on. However everybody loves happy ever after and that is what we are potentially treated do. All those who love music love and laughter should adore “Yesterday”. ENJOY.

Penny Nair Price