18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ed Sheeran's 'charming rom-com' with Lily James is now free to stream
Ed Sheeran starred in the 2019 romantic comedy film, which has just landed on BBC iPlayer and is available to watch for free
Ed Sheeran pops up in a romantic comedy gem, Yesterday, now streaming on BBC iPlayer for music-loving Brits to enjoy at no cost.
Debuted in the summer of 2019, Yesterday offers a fantastical take on The Beatles' legacy. Following an inexplicable global blackout, Jack Malik is tossed into a world where The Beatles are unheard of, leading him to skyrocket to stardom with their timeless tunes.
The film showcases Sheeran playing a version of himself, becoming both a confidant and mentor to the protagonist. Yet, it's Himesh Patel who steals the show as the lead character Jack, with Lily James playing his love interest Ellie Appleton.
At the helm is none other than Danny Boyle, taking directorial duties, supported by Richard Curtis, known for his Oscar-nominated craftsmanship, who penned this whit-filled narrative together with Jack Barth.
The romcom sailed smoothly into audiences' hearts upon arrival, particularly charming die-hard fans of The Beatles. With its debut, spectators on Rotten Tomatoes have given it a thumbs-up with an admirable 89 percent rating; critics, however, have been a tad more critical, settling at 63 percent, reports Surrey Live.
One reviewer heaped praise on the film, saying: "It is a sensational, witty, original, clever movie that should be seen by any fans of Curtis' work or Beatles fans."
Advocating for the film's charm, they added: "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."
One viewer shared their thoughts, saying: "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 film enthusiast couldn't help but heap praise on the movie, 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: "I highly recommend this to any Beatles fan who feels life would not be quite the same if The Beatles never were."
Yesterday is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
