Yesterday Was a Lie

Metaphysical noir? Writer-director James Kerwin combines the two elements in this unusual black-and-white film. On the one hand, Yesterday Was a Lie features all of the familiar elements of the detective genre of yore: a convoluted storyline, tough talk and hard drinking, torch songs whispered by a silky chanteuse (Chase Masterson), ceiling fans, and fedoras, including the one sported by a private eye named Hoyle (Kipleigh Brown), who's on the trail of a genius scientist (John Newton) who was once the singer's main squeeze. So far, so noir. But there's more, since the tale's resolution involves the exploration of heavy concepts like déjà vu, precognition, the relationship between reality and perception, and the nature of linear (and nonlinear) time. Frequent references are made to the poetry of T.S. Eliot, the psychological theories of Carl Jung, and the Salvador Dali painting 'The Persistence of Memory,' all of which admittedly offer a refreshing alternative to the fart jokes and cynical product placement found in much contemporary cinema. Unfortunately, however, the film isn't as smart or profound as it thinks it is, the acting is less than stellar, the dialogue often sounds unbelievable, and the narrative lacks coherence, while the intellectual ingredients can't make up for the cop-out ending. Still, some credit is due for at least trying to do something different. A strong optional purchase. (S. Graham) [Blu-ray/DVD Review—Nov. 19, 2019—IndiePix, 89 min., PG, DVD: $24.99, Blu-ray: $34.99—Making its latest appearance on DVD and debut on Blu-ray, 2009’s Yesterday Was a Lie features a fine transfer with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound. Extras include audio commentary by director James Kerwin, producer Chase Masterson, and star Kipleigh Brown, a production featurette on the 'WonderCon Panel' (36 min.), camera tests and outtakes (13 min.), character featurettes (6 min.), behind-the-scenes footage (5 min.), a directing segment (4 min.), and additional interviews (2 min.). Bottom line: a fine extras package for this uneven sci-fi noir.]