‘Yesterday’ (2019) Film Review

I heard about this film a few months ago when it was initially released. I’m not particularly fond of most comedy movies & even less so of the romance genre but after hearing the premise & the fact it was directed by Danny Boyle I have to admit I was intrigued. I typically enjoy Boyle directed films & downright love a few of them (‘Trainspotting’, ‘The Beach’). I put a mental pin in this film as an at-home date with the wife. It ended up being a really entertaining & heartwarming little British film.

Jack Malik (Himesh Patel) is a struggling singer/songwriter whose dreams of fame are fading fast. The only person who really believes in him is his childhood friend/cheerleader/driver Ellie (Lily James). After a freak bus accident Jack wakes in the hospital to a world in which ‘The Beatles’ never existed (also Coca~Cola, ‘Oasis’, & Cigarettes). Malik becomes an overnight sensation using the songs of one of the biggest bands of all time, with a few surprises along the way.

Because it fell into the romance & comedy genres, I started the film with little to no expectations. After the first 20 mins & hearing Himesh Patel’s angelic voice singing ‘Beatles’ favorites I was completely hooked. What surprised me most was the fact that I could immediately see where this plot-line was going but I didn’t care at all. In my opinion the fact that I was so thoroughly entertained by a sappy, predictable, romance film speaks enormous volumes for the quality of Boyle’s latest work. I highly suggest curling up with a loved one and watching ASAP.

P.S. You may also want to check out the soundtrack by Himesh Patel, his voice is amazing