Nowhere Boy (2010) | agoodmovietowatch

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Nowhere Boy 8.4 2010 Movie

Nowhere Boy

Dir. Sam Taylor-Johnson · Canada, UK · English

Our take by Christina Ienna

In a different change of pace, this biopic focuses on John Lennon’s reckless adolescence and family life instead of his soon-to-be iconic music. It brings an epic rockstar many of us have known our entire lives down to a more relatable level. The young Aaron Taylor-Johnston gives a very angsty performance which feels a little over the top at times. Anne-Marie Duff does comes off too flirtatious for a newly formed mother-son relationship but Kristin Scott Thomas outshines them all with her steely demeanor.

What happens

A rebellious teenager, future Beatle John Lennon lives with his Aunt Mimi in working-class mid-1950s Liverpool, England. Mimi's husband suddenly dies, and John spies his mother Julia at the funeral. Despite Mimi's misgivings, John intends to have a real relationship with his mother. Julia introduces him to popular music and the banjo and, though a family conflict looms, young John is inspired to form his own band.

Awards

BAFTA

3 noms

Nominated: Alexander Korda Award for Best British FilmNominated: Best Supporting ActressNominated: Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer

Sundance

1 nom

Nominated: Official Selection

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About the author

Christina Ienna

Christina Ienna

Christina Ienna is a contributing writer at A Good Movie to Watch and an Italian-Canadian filmmaker and cinematographer. Her writing brings a craft-focused perspective to film and television reviews.