Nowhere Boy is a really good biopic that's more distinct within the genre because it mostly avoids the worst pitfalls these films usually commit to. Rather than focusing on the music with the typical rise & fall narrative it hones in on a specific point in John Lennons's early life and his most important relationships.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson gives one of his best performances so far by making a true icon feel human. It's a performance full of pain and heartbreak which makes him really empathetic. Kristin Scott Thomas is so good at dishing out tough love in stern fashion, everything is kept behind a steely gaze but it's clear she does care deep down.
Sam Taylor-Johnson's direction uses frequent flashbacks and nightmares to set up a tragic reveal in its third act which gets the desired effect opposed to feeling too overdone. With Seamus McGarvey's textured cinematography the film looks slightly muted in a way that gives the film life rather than draining it from the frame.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson gives one of his best performances so far by making a true icon feel human. It's a performance full of pain and heartbreak which makes him really empathetic. Kristin Scott Thomas is so good at dishing out tough love in stern fashion, everything is kept behind a steely gaze but it's clear she does care deep down.
Sam Taylor-Johnson's direction uses frequent flashbacks and nightmares to set up a tragic reveal in its third act which gets the desired effect opposed to feeling too overdone. With Seamus McGarvey's textured cinematography the film looks slightly muted in a way that gives the film life rather than draining it from the frame.