“Nowhere Boy” (2009) – Movie Review

Director: Sam Taylor-Wood

Starring Aaron Johnson, Kristin Scott Thomas, Thomas Sangster

‘Brilliant Beatles Biopic’

“Nowhere Boy” is directed by Sam Taylor-Wood. Its script is written by Matt Greenhalgh and based of a memoir by Julia Baird. The film stars Aaron Johnson, Kristin Scott Thomas, Anne-Marie Duff, and Thomas Sangster. Its plot is a chronicle of musician John Lennon’s (Aaron Johnson) first years. The British drama focuses mainly in his adolescence and his relationship with his stern Aunt Mimi (Kristin Scott Thomas), who raised him, and his absentee mother Julia (Anne-Marie Duff), who re-entered his life at a crucial moment.

Sam Taylor-Wood directs this film with a sense of understanding and knowledge. Bringing back Lennon’s life with only a memoir to work with isn’t easy, but Taylor-Wood directs this film in the right direction. She infuses this film with an emotional approach towards relationships and hardships in life. While this isn’t a very accurate portrayal of the musician’s life, Taylor-Wood and screenwriter Matt Greenhalgh still manage to keep the film low-key and steady throughout. England and the 50’s time period is captured very well with beautiful, defining cinematography.

Aaron Johnson delivers a fine performance as John Lennon. He doesn’t resemble the artist by looks, but by the displayed rebelliousness and confusion. Johnson also captures Lennon’s emotional side with perfection. Kristin Scott Thomas is excellent as Mimi Smith. She plays John’s aunt with love and delight. Anne-Marie Duff is beautiful and joyous as John’s mother. Duff fits her character very well because of her similar personality. The rest of the cast including David Morrissey, David Threlfall, and Thomas Sangster are well informed in their roles.

“Nowhere Boy” is a touching, moving, and inspiring look into John Lennon’s life. It has a few problems such as inaccuracies, but otherwise it is a film that beautifully displays relationships. This isn’t a film about “The Beatles”, but how an evolving teenager deals with life. Recommended for anyone interested in John Lennon’s childhood or any emotional relationship.

4/5 stars