Mikes Film Talk

The “outside the box” 2024 film Yesterday is Almost Here feels like a cinematic reference to an old bon mot. “With friends like these, who needs enemies.” I will be up front here, there was not one likeable character in the entire film.

There were, however, some darned good performances and a script that left so many things unanswered. The tale itself does something that not many films do successfully. It makes you think about what you have just seen for quite awhile after the end credits roll.

Writer/Director Joston Ramon Theney calls Yesterday is Almost Here, “A crisis of self.” It is at times difficult to watch, yet oddly fascinating. Repeated viewings help to break things down, but yes. Crisis is right on the nose here.

The Story

Douglas and his wife Veronica are heading to the hills. He is suffering from writer’s block after a sudden career change. Veronica has invited his best friend Dan and his wife Pia.

Bad idea.

Douglas hears Dan seemingly admit to sleeping with Veronica and the melt down ship sails.

The Cast

Nicholas Brendon is Douglas Wynter. Brendon made his name on the small screen version of Joss Whedon’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He cut his teeth on this role and one can imagine it follows him like a lost puppy. Brendon has worked steadily since the series finished way back in 2003. He is the main attraction in Yesterday is Almost Here.

Jackie Moore is Veronica Collins. Jackie has been busy working in the industry. She also stars in The Charisma Killers a film that just dropped on the first of November. Here she plays an “aging” actress. She, like Douglas, is not happy.

Phillip Andre Botello is Dan Mackie. Botello is an alum from Criminal Minds, where he worked with Brendon. He has a long list of credits, including The Art of Self Defense. Here, Dan is the best friend from hell.

Shoshana Wilder is Pia Couteau-Mackie. Wilder has an impressive set of bona fides. This Canadian actor stays busy. She is Dan’s wife Pia and she is also a sort of reluctant object of desire.

Twists and Turns

Yesterday is Almost Here is comprised of a surprising amount of twists and turns.

For Wynter.

He seems to have just undergone the midlife crisis to end them all. We literally watch this man go through an egregious meltdown that is almost beyond painful to watch.

His downward spiral affects everyone in his small circle.

Badly.

Wynter’s journey is harsh and somewhat soul destroying.

It works

Yesterday is Almost Here is an odd title that I must admit took me till writing this review to understand. *Crisis of self. Remember?*

The film works. Despite the open, somewhat bewildering, ending. It does its job.

Cinematographer David Gordon makes each frame count. Whether they are straight “in your face” or “fly on the wall” scenes. Or even those odd dreamlike interchanges, he works it with finesse. Gordon merges all these moments brilliantly.

Producer/Director/Writer Theney leaves many things open for interpretation. *Theney also edited his film. He is another “cottage industry” filmmaker.*

He gives us a number of questions that are never answered.

For Example:

Wynter’s hands, fingers and fingernails appear to be splattered with paint? Or has he partially painted his fingernails and put tattoos on his appendages?

Wynter’s visage. This man makes haggard look like George Clooney. Brendon’s protagonist looks like a drug abusing creature who is falling to earth like a burnt out star. His appearance suggests a lifetime of drug and alcohol abuse.

Why are Douglas and Dan friends?

How did so many self centered people get together?

Has Douglas found himself by the end of the film?

And really? Who needs friends like these?

The verdict

Yesterday is Almost Here is solid entertainment. While for me the film is neither fish nor fowl, I could not stop watching it. It makes you think and question the journey that Wynter is currently on.

This is a solid 3.75 stars out of 5. The film lost 1.25 stars because of my inability to connect with any of the characters. However, if you like films that make you think, or that you talk about long after it has finished, this may well be your cup of tea. Yesterday is Almost Here hits theatres on 13 December.

The Trailer