Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet romance, some swearing in appealing comedy/fantasy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Yesterday
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 23 parent reviews
Based on 48 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a mix of humor and family-friendly moments, with many finding it entertaining, especially fans of the Beatles. However, some viewers were disappointed by the slow plot and mature content, suggesting the film is better suited for older children despite its positive messages and engaging music.
- funny and entertaining
- slow plot
- mature content
- family-friendly
- positive messages
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
YESTERDAY, Jack Malik (Himesh Patel) was a struggling singer-songwriter who played music that nobody really liked, except for his loyal best friend and manager, Ellie (Lily James). But then Jack gets hit by a bus at the exact same time as a mysterious global blackout. When he returns to consciousness, it's to a world in which the Beatles never existed: Only Jack remembers their songs. He starts performing the Fab Four's hits as his, and he leapfrogs to success thanks to the backing of Ed Sheeran and new power-hungry manager Debra Hammer (Kate McKinnon), leaving Ellie out in the cold. But is it really success if, deep down, all the adulation doesn't make Jack feel truly happy -- or deserving?
Is It Any Good?
With a high-concept premise that could skew either cute or pretty stupid, this easygoing fantasy romcom sticks the landing overall. Patel can actually sing -- he capably performs almost every Beatles song in the movie (from "Let It Be" to "Back in the U.S.S.R.") -- and he's both sweet and relatable. So much so that it would be almost painful to watch him struggle onstage at the beginning of the movie if you didn't know exactly where the story was going. Since you do, the indignities visited on him have a kind of pre-Wonka Charlie Bucket shine, with suffering bearable as a prelude to wild success.
The light touch that Yesterday gives to Jack's rags-to-riches journey is carried forth throughout the entire movie -- nothing's too intense or harsh. The romance between Jack and Ellie is affectionate and gentle; Jack's parents wander through, alternately hugging their son and looking for snacks; the worst thing that the movie's only villain manages to do is tell Jack he's unattractive. At one point, two romantic rivals even resolve their differences with a friendly handshake. It feels like all the rough edges have been sanded off, which isn't an insult: Yesterday is a lot of fun. But you also won't be surprised to find out that the film was scripted by Richard Curtis (he of the similarly mild and enjoyable films Love Actually, Bridget Jones's Diary, and Notting Hill) and directed by Danny Boyle with a Slumdog Millionaire air. If any of those movies are on your faves list, put this one in the "must watch" queue.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about romantic comedies. What does Yesterday have in common with other films in the genre? How does it break the mold? Is it typical in romcoms that two characters who are clearly meant to be together have something that keeps them apart until the end? What's the "something" here? Is it believable?
What messages does this movie send about success and fame? Do those things make Jack happy? Why or why not? What does the movie imply is the source of his true happiness?
How does Jack's resolution to his dilemma demonstrate integrity and courage? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 28, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : September 24, 2019
- Cast : Himesh Patel , Lily James , Kate McKinnon , Sophia Di Martino
- Director : Danny Boyle
- Inclusion Information : Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Lesbian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity
- Run time : 116 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : suggestive content and language
- Last updated : February 9, 2026
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