Across the Universe, slated for its limited North American release today, is a musical film directed by Julie Taymor. Don’t worry, though, if it doesn’t open in your town today, the full release is scheduled for next week, on September 21. The film’s screenplay is written by Ian La Frenais (Goal! and Flushed Away) and Dick Clement (Goal! and Flushed Away) and stars Evan Rachel Wood as Lucy (Thirteen) and Jim Sturgess (The Other Boleyn Girl) as Jude.

Across the Universe is an original film that follows Jude and Lucy, a 1960s couple, through their lives and personal entanglements with their friends and local musicians. Music lovers may recognize the movie’s title as one of The Beatles’ hit songs and will be excited to know that 30 other Beatles songs are interlaced throughout the movie’s plot. Almost all songs are performed by the film’s cast, which also features Bono, Dana Fuchs, Jim Stugess, Martin Luther, Joe Anderson, Lisa Hogg, and more.

References to the great band are rife throughout Across The Universe (photos here), beginning with the fact that two of the film’s main songs are “Hey Jude” and “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds.” Supporting characters’ names include Max, Mr. Kite, Jojo, Doctor Robert, Sexy Sadie, and Desmond, all references to other Beatles songs: “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer,” “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite,” Get Back,” “Doctor Robert,” “Sexy Sadie,” and “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da,” respectively.

If you’re a Beatles fan, be ready with open ears and eyes to scout for other tidbits, such as the fact that Jude is from Liverpool, just like the four Beatles. It all starts today.