During her appearance on Hot Ones, pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter made a heartfelt confession: her favorite movie of all time is the 2007 Beatles musical Across the Universe. Directed by Julie Taymor and set in the chaotic backdrop of the Vietnam War era, the film weaves together 34 classic Beatles songs into a visually stunning, politically charged love story.
Host Sean Evans summed it up perfectly: “You cite Across the Universe as one of your favorite movies. The White Album as one of your favorite records. Meeting Paul McCartney, one of your career highlights.” Carpenter nodded in agreement, confirming how deeply rooted her admiration for The Beatles truly is.
What Is Across the Universe About?
Across the Universe follows Jude (played by Jim Sturgess), a young man from Liverpool, who travels to America in search of his father. Along the way, he meets Max and Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood), and the trio’s lives intertwine amidst the sweeping tides of war, protest, and cultural revolution.
From urban rooftops in New York to the bloody battlefields of Vietnam, the film paints a poetic picture of the 1960s—a time of explosive creativity and deep unrest. Musical numbers like “Hey Jude,” “Come Together,” and “Let It Be” are reimagined through the voices of young characters wrestling with love, identity, and activism.
Star-Studded Cast and Musical Powerhouses
One standout element of the film is its incredible soundtrack. Evan Rachel Wood delivers haunting renditions of songs like “If I Fell,” “Dear Prudence,” and “Blackbird”—showcasing her deep, velvety alto vocals. But she’s not the only standout performer.
Legendary artists like Bono and Joe Cocker make unforgettable cameos. Bono’s version of “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and Cocker’s gruff, powerful “Come Together” anchor the film in gritty rock authenticity while maintaining theatrical flair.
A $70 Million Tribute to The Beatles
Despite its $70 million production budget, Across the Universe made only $29.6 million at the box office. But its cult following has only grown stronger over the years—especially among artists like Carpenter, who credit the film for its influence on their style and creative direction.
The film is a vibrant tribute to the era of civil rights marches, anti-war protests, and second-wave feminism. Through a mix of music, politics, and surreal visuals, Across the Universe captures the spirit of a generation—and apparently, captured Sabrina Carpenter’s heart as well.
How the Beatles Influenced Sabrina Carpenter’s Artistry
Carpenter’s music videos for “Espresso” and “Manchild” reflect a retro aesthetic that hints at her love for classic rock visuals. The grainy textures, vintage fashion, and warm color palettes all channel a nostalgic nod to the 1960s.
In a recent Rolling Stone interview, Carpenter credited her mother for playing The Beatles, Queen, and Rush at home while she was growing up. These musical giants shaped her early understanding of melody, harmony, and lyrical storytelling—qualities that now shine through in her own discography.
Final Thoughts: Why Across the Universe Still Resonates
For fans of The Beatles or those discovering the band through newer artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Across the Universe remains a masterpiece of musical storytelling. It’s a film that doesn’t just feature Beatles songs—it reinterprets them with emotion, imagination, and social awareness.
And for Sabrina Carpenter, it’s not just a movie—it’s a muse. From her love of Paul McCartney to her vintage-inspired visuals, it’s clear this film helped shape the pop star she is today.
Do you love Across the Universe as much as Sabrina does? Share your favorite Beatles song from the movie in the comments!
