Not many high-concept premises truly come together as breezy, comedic fun. This year’s best comedies (Late Night, Long Shot and Isn’t It Romantic) still struggled and felt strained by their premise — and only one of them was supposed to be a fantasy. Luckily, Yesterday defies the odds and brings smiles and a few surprises to the rom com format.
It gets by with a little help from director Danny Boyle (Trainspotting) and screenwriter Richard Curtis (Love Actually) who take a fantasy concept (a world where only one man remembers the Beatles) and magically keep it light and interesting for almost two hours.
Jack (Himesh Patel) and Eliie (Lily James) are a delightful and convincing romantic couple. To be clear, they don’t reach the timeless heights of Harry and Sally nor anyone from Love Actually, but this pairing works better than any rom com I’ve seen since last year’s Crazy Rich Asians.
There’s a love-it/hate-it moment in the final arc of the film. It betrayed the films tone to me, but everyone with me loved it, and thought it was essential.
I don't care. I bought everything else and was glad to buy this ticket too.
In a nutshell: Not revolutionary, but not predictable. Quality, escapist fun, in an “all you need is love” kinda way.
Award potential: Some potential Golden Globe nominations in their Best Comedy category.
The Ten Buck Review: Worth ten bucks.
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