Review: Danny Boyle's YESTERDAY is an Incredibly Charming Fantastical Film Filled with Heart

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect from director Danny Boyle's new film Yesterday. As a huge fan of The Beatles, a story about The Beatles being completely erased from existence, except for one man intrigued me. I had to see how this story played out and what I got was an incredible charming film that has a big heart and a sweet soul.

I was really curious to see how this story would play out and come to an end and I have to say that the journey was filled with some fantastic unexpected twists and turns. Nothing really mind-blowing, just great little plot points to help drive the story forward and a sweet love story backed by the amazing songs of The Beatles.

I don't really want to get into the details of the story because I don't want to ruin the experience for you. But, I will give you the basic plot of the film.

Yesterday follows and man named Jack Malik, played by Himesh Patel, who is a struggling singer-songwriter in a little English seaside town. His dreams of become a famous musician are fading and he's considering going back to being a teacher. His best friend from childhood, Ellie (Lily James) has always been his biggest fan, manager, and support system, but she couldn't even keep him going. The night he tells her he is giving it up, Jack is hit by a bus during a mysterious global blackout. When Jack wakes up he quickly learns that The Beatles never existed! So, he goes on to use the songs from one of the greatest bands in history to help build his career and he becomes an overnight sensation.

There were so many ways that a story like this could go wrong, but the story is solid and makes all the right decisions along the way as Jack embarks on his journey to fame and navigates the through the pains and joys of love. I also have to say that the star of the movie, Himesh Patel, gave a wonderful performance and I really enjoyed his take on the iconic music. Lily James was fantastic as well and there’s Ed Sheeran, who also has a decent sized role in the film and was actually pretty amusing.

My one gripe about the film would be how Kate McKinnon's character was handled. She ends up becoming Jack's big Hollywood manager, and I just didn't like the way the character was portrayed. It was an over-the-top caricature of what a Hollywood manager might be like. She just seemed very out of place because all the other characters in the film were grounded and real. Not sure why they went the route they did with the character, but it is what it is. Some people might enjoy it, some people might not like it.

Regardless, I loved the movie! I loved how the story concluded, and there was one part of the film in particular that just had me in awe. It's a big moment in the movie that made me gasp out loud. I won't tell you what it is, but I promise, you'll know it when you see it.

Yesterday is a must see film especially if your a fan of The Beatles! It’s easily one of my favorite films of the year!