Danny Boyle’s Yesterday
Director Imagines a World Without the Beatles
What would the world be like if the Beatles had never existed? That is the question director Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, Trainspotting) and writer Richard Curtis (Love Actually, Four Weddings and a Funeral) ponder in their newest film, Yesterday.
Himesh Patel, best known for his long-standing role in the hit British TV series, East Enders, stars as Jack, a struggling musician who can’t seem to get a break. He’s surrounded by good friends, who all think he’s wasting his time, including girlfriend Ellie, played by Lily James (Baby Driver).
Then, on a strange and eventful night, there is a world-wide blackout, causing Jack to crash on his bike, and wake up concussed and confused. While recovering surrounded by his friends, he serenades them with Paul McCartney’s little ditty, “Yesterday.” As they praise his incredible talent for songwriting, he realizes they have no idea who the Beatles are. What’s a talentless lyricist to do? Why steal every song he can from the Lennon/McCartney catalog and become the biggest rock star that ever lived, that’s what!
Lots of great guest stars show up in this fantasy comedy, including SNL’s Kate McKinnon as a fast-talking musical agent and James Corden, as himself and perhaps the person who exposes Jack’s secret.
Musician Ed Sheeran also stars as a singer/songwriter named Ed Sheeran (coincidence?) who tries to help Jack by changing the lyrics of one of the best-known songs ever written, from “Hey Jude” to “Hey Dude.” Good stuff.
What will happen to Jack? Will the world rewind back to a time when the Beatles were the greatest band ever formed? Check out Yesterday when it opens on June 28th to find out.
