Yesterday

Yesterday, directed by renowned British filmmaker Danny Boyle and written by Richard Curtis, is a 2019 rock-n-comedy drama that blends the extraordinary world of creativity, love, music, and a dash of the unexpected. The movie stars Himesh Patel, Lily James, and Sophia Di Martino, and presents a wonderful treat for Beatles fans worldwide, as it tells a unique tale of a world without the iconic band's existence.

The film follows the life of Jack Malik, portrayed by Himesh Patel, an aspiring singer-songwriter who struggles to make his mark in the music industry. In his seaside hometown in Suffolk, his performances are limited to empty pubs, where his career is stagnating, and his dreams seem to fade more and more each day. Despite enjoying the unwavering support of his childhood best friend and manager, Ellie - played by Lily James - Jack wrestles with the thought of abandoning his musical ambitions and accepting his unthinkable future of being a warehouse employee.

However, the narrative takes a fascinating turn after a worldwide power outage event. During the 12-second blackout, Jack is hit by a bus. He survives but wakes up to a world where he seems to be the only person who remembers The Beatles. In an interesting twist, Jack takes this opportunity to insert Beatles' bops into a world that has never heard of them, leading to instant fame and recognition, his ever after dream. Yet, the sudden skyrocketing fame brings him a grand dilemma. Is his success justifiable? Is it okay to take credit for something he didn't create?

Himesh Patel delivers a uniquely engaging performance as Jack, bringing to life the struggles of a musician living a lie. Jack's internal conflict is portrayed with exceptional sensitivity, raising deep ethical questions and dilemmas within his newfound success. Patel's rendition of iconic Beatles' tunes is emotional and cathartic, giving a new flavor to the classic songs within the film's context.

Lily James illuminates the screen with her portrayal of Ellie, the schoolteacher who has unwavering belief on Jack's talent and secretly holds deep-rooted feelings for him. Their chemistry is sweet and touching, adding emotional depth to the story. The romantic lane runs parallel to Jack’s incredible journey, adding a touching layer of sentimentality.

Sophia Di Martino adds to the dynamic cast with her portrayal of Carol, a fresh character adding to the complexity of Jack's evolving world. The supporting roles ensemble, including Joel Fry, Sanjeev Bhaskar, and Meera Syal, contribute to creating the ebb and flow of Jack's life, grounding the film's eccentricity in relatable human relationships and struggles.

The film is a great tribute to The Beatles, revisiting their timeless classics in an entirely new light. Their music forms the backbone of the storytelling, each song weaved intricately into the plot progression. The screenplay is remarkable in the execution of such a challenging premise, with moments of humor bleeding into the narrative's different layers.

The directorial vision of Danny Boyle and several nuances of Richard Curtis' script make this film an interesting fantasy-comedy-drama. The sudden shift in Jack’s fortune and the exploration of his moral compass create engaging stakes for the audiences. The film is not only a celebration of The Beatles' music and their influence on pop culture, but it also scrutinizes the concept of fame. It questions the means to success and at what cost it's truly worth it.

Yesterday is a charming delight wrapped in the memories of The Beatles, contemplating on relationships, love, fame, and the complex equations of life. Its unique storyline, engaging characters, and peppered wit decode a heartfelt yet compelling tale that music aficionados and movie lovers would enjoy. Infused with soothing music, spellbinding performances, and woven with a love story underlining friendship and self-discovery, Yesterday presents an exhilarating journey of a man that will certainly get the audience rooting for him - notwithstanding the moral ambiguity. It's a declaration of love for the music that continues to resonate across generations, as well as a nostalgic trip down memory lane for Beatles' fans worldwide. Yesterday emerges as a lively take on music, love, and fame and how they intersect in the unpredictable paths of life.