YESTERDAY (2019) REVIEW

Watched in: June 2019

Didn't like ▢ Alright ▢ Liked ✔︎ Loved ▢

Would I watch it again: Maybe

Would I recommend?: Yes, to certain people

Watchability: Easy

Watch with: Family ▢ Friends ✔︎ Self ▢

Yesterday (HA!) I saw Yesterday, dir. by Danny Boyle and starring Himesh Patel and Lily James. A feel-good comedy based around the music of The Beatles, it promised to put music in your heart. This is what I thought...

Plot & Story

In general, the plot was simple and easy to follow, making it a really easy film to watch. This could be viewed as a positive or a negative, as some people prefer to have to think about their films, but I think in this case the film just wanted to be watched and enjoyed for what it was, so a simple story suited it well. I thought the pacing was decent, I was rarely left wanting to move on, although it did grind to a halt somewhat in the middle, when it became more about the characters relationship than the music. This wasn't necessarily unwarranted, it worked for the story as a whole, it just felt a little abrupt. Some parts were also a smidge rushed, but I know that's because you can't show everything that happens in regards to record deals and travel; it just wouldn't be interesting enough, and would make the film too long. I think in the most part all the questions were answered, apart from the big one: why did this all happen? We're never given an answer on this, and while I think this just adds to the mystery and makes the film all the more interesting, I can see that it would annoy some viewers who want closure and a wrapped up finish (See my Groundhog Day review for more on this kind of thing.). All in all I found it to be a warm, uplifting story to just get lost in for a while, and you don't necessarily need to be a Beatles fan to enjoy it.

Characters & Performances

I really enjoyed Patel in this film. I think he brought a real relatability to Jack, you feel like you know him and you feel his joy and pain with him. The scene with him trying to remember the lyrics to 'Elenor Rigby' was my favourite as it showed such a range of highs and lows for the character and was just so fun to watch. Lily James was equally lovely, I always love to see her in these kinds of roles where she is just able to play a human being. She always brings such light to her characters and I always end up wanting to be her friend. She was brilliantly natural and you could feel the pain she felt at certain points throughout the movie. The two worked harmoniously, grounding each other nicely, and the love story that came from them was a classic one.

The only gripe I have was the fact that Ed Sheeran was there, if I'm honest. It was just a bit jarring to have him there, playing himself, and he's not the strongest actor which just made it a bit strange. I think the inclusion of him in the story was good, it helped rank Jack among the greats of the time, it was just a bit strange watching Ed so prominently featured on the big screen.

Direction & Cinematography

Danny Boyle is known for his interesting stories and ability to pull emotion from the most unlikely places, and this film is no exception. It was nice to look at, nothing spectacular, but there were odd scenes here and there that really stood out and made you remember what a great filmmaker Boyle is. I mentioned previously I loved the 'Elenor Rigby' scene because of Patel's great acting, but the scene was added to by the brilliant editing, having the scene portraying the song and then start again whenever he got the words wrong, not to mention the wonderful symmetry is has with a scene at the very end. Scenes like this made the film interesting, otherwise it would risk becoming just another film, although very well shot and edited.

There was one particular scene where Jack is looking at these stats and news reports being displayed on huge screens, but it's clear this is just his imagination. It's a very stylised scene, and although its very cool to look at it does feel a bit out of place within the film, as its the only sequence like that that is featured. It does add some spice to the film however, so it is interesting in that regard.

Personal Opinions

All in all, I enjoyed Yesterday and I'm glad I went to see it. I don't necessarily think I'll be returning to it in a hurry, but that's only down to it being one of those films you don't need to watch over and over. I'm sure there were some tit-bits I missed due to not being the biggest Beatles fan, but I was able to enjoy the film nonetheless and didn't feel like I was missing out on anything as they primarily used the songs everyone knows, which make you wanna sing along and will definitely get stuck in your head. It was a lovely, easy watch with a heartwarming story.

Final rating: ★★★★☆

Did you enjoy Yesterday? Let me know in the comments below!

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8079248/