Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson • 2009 • United Kingdom
Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Anne-Marie Duff, Kristin Scott Thomas

Based on the memoirs of John Lennon’s half-sister Julia Baird, this revealing account of the future Beatle’s formative years vividly recreates the world of 1950s Liverpool, where the teenage John (Aaron Taylor-Johnson)—having been raised by his aunt Mimi (Kristin Scott Thomas)—reconnects with his impetuous mother, Julia (Anne-Marie Duff), who inspires his burgeoning passion for rock ’n’ roll. Fusing an intimate look at the complex family dynamics that shaped Lennon with a stirring vision of his musical awakening, NOWHERE BOY forgoes mythologizing for a deeply human portrait of the young man behind the legend.