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Poster for Nowhere Boy

Nowhere Boy

Seen it?

2009 | 98 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (80% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Rocketman or Better Man, start here.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 38 min.
What might put you off
Nothing much for most grown-ups.

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.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    80% on Rotten Tomatoes, 67 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.2 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $7 million worldwide on a $2 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 166K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson

  • Aaron Taylor-JohnsonJohn Lennon
  • Anne-Marie DuffJulia Lennon
  • Kristin Scott ThomasMimi Smith
  • David ThrelfallGeorge Toogood Smith
  • David MorrisseyBobby Dykins
  • Thomas Brodie-SangsterPaul McCartney
  • Josh BoltPete Shotton
  • Ophelia LovibondMaria Kennedy
  • Andrew BuchanMichael Fishwick
  • James JohnsonStan Parkes