Yesterday, everyone knew The Beatles. Today, only Jack remembers their songs. He’s about to become a very big deal. Jack Malik, played by Himesh Patel (BBC’s Eastenders), is a struggling singer-songwriter in a tiny English seaside town whose dreams of fame are rapidly fading, despite the fierce devotion and support of his childhood best friend, Ellie, played by Lily James (Mama Mia! Here We Go Again). Then, after a freak bus accident during a mysterious global blackout, Jack wakes up to discover that The Beatles have never existed … and he finds himself with a very complicated problem, indeed.

Performing songs by the greatest band in history to a world that has never heard them, and with a little help from his steel-hearted American agent, Debra (Emmy winner Kate McKinnon), Jack’s fame explodes. But as his star rises, he risks losing Ellie — the one person who always believed in him. With the door between his old life and his new closing, Jack will need to get back to where he once belonged and prove that all you need is love.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW

I have a feeling this is going to be this summer’s sleeper hit. This film has all the components that make going to the movies a great experience – laughs, music, and relatable characters. Himesh Patel (Jack Malik) shines as the main character, and the secondary roles are just as strong and comedic, especially his parents. It’s great to see British-Indian actors portrayed so prominently, and Patel’s versions of some of The Beatles song are quite interesting.

Note that this is British comedy through and through, with Danny Boyle at the head of direction. So be sure to brush up on the quirky British slang if you want to follow along. We soon find out that it’s not only The Beatles that the world has no recollection of, but several other things come forth during the movies as well.

Ed Sheeran has a major role in the film, and at first viewers might not be sure if it’s really him or not, when he appears with the words “Hoax” embroidered across his chest. Kate McKinnon shows up half-way through the film, and as much as I love her on Saturday Night Live, her character here comes across as the obnoxious American in a British flick. True, her character is suppose to be obnoxious, but honestly it should have be played by another British actor. Speaking of, is that John Lennon?

Overall though, it’s the first feel-good film of the summer. Enjoy!

From Academy Award-winning director Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, Trainspotting, 28 Days Later) and Richard Curtis, the Oscar-nominated screenwriter of Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually and Notting Hill, comes a rock-n-roll comedy about music, dreams, friendship, and the long and winding road that leads to the love of your life.

Featuring new versions of The Beatles’ most beloved hits, Yesterday is produced by Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner (Love Actually, About A Boy, the Bridget Jones series) alongside Matthew James Wilkinson and Bernie Bellew. Curtis and Boyle also produce. Nick Angel and Lee Brazier serve as executive producers.

Cast: Himesh Patel, Lily James, Ed Sheeran, Kate McKinnon
Director: Danny Boyle
Screenplay By: Richard Curtis
Story By: Jack Barth and Richard Curtis
Producers: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Matthew James Wilkinson, Bernie Bellew, Richard Curtis, Danny Boyle
Executive Producers: Nick Angel, Lee Brazier, Liza Chasin

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.