A The Beatles-inspired film starring Ed Sheeran has just landed on BBC iPlayer, available for all viewers to enjoy at no cost.
Yesterday was released in June 2019 and serves as a whimsical tribute to the band’s legendary music. It explores the tale of Jack Malik, a floundering musician who, due to a global blackout, finds himself in a world where the famed band never existed, seizing the chance to catapult his career with their songs.
Sheeran delightfully plays himself in this cinematic piece, mentoring the protagonist Jack. But it’s not the renowned Grammy winner who leads the cast.
The limelight belongs to Himesh Patel, playing the pivotal role of Jack, alongside Lily James as Ellie Appleton, his unrequited crush.
Oscar-winner Danny Boyle helms the project, joining forces with Oscar-nominated Richard Curtis who penned the screenplay with Jack Barth, reports Surrey Live.
At its debut, the romcom won the hearts of both moviegoers and The Beatles enthusiasts. Viewers left a glowing 89 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, albeit earning a more modest 63 per cent from reviewers.
One critique praised the film, declaring: “It is a sensational, witty, original, clever movie that should be seen by any fans of Curtis’ work or Beatles fans.
“The leads are acted excellently and overall the glow flow of the movie, the imaginative inside jokes of the new universe, make for a very enjoyable time.”
A second fan raved in their review, stating: “The premise is wacky and unusual, but for whatever reason I was able to shred my cynical self and enjoyed this charming romcom. That’s a credit to the director and the actors. Didn’t hurt that I adore The Beatles.”
Another enthusiast lavished the film with accolades, writing: “As a lifelong Beatles fan, someone who considers their music the soundtrack to MY life (and has a son named Jude) this movie really moved me.”
They added a heartfelt recommendation: “I highly recommend this to any Beatles fan who feels life would not be quite the same if The Beatles never were.”
Yesterday is streaming now on BBC iPlayer.