The teenage years of one John Winston Lennon are revealed in this intriguing blend of biopic and coming-of-age story. In 1950s Liverpool, schoolboy John (played by newcomer Aaron Johnson) is brought up by his stern Aunt Mimi (Kristin Scott Thomas), only to discover later that his mother Julia (Anne-Marie Duff) has actually been living nearby with another brood of kids. The rock 'n' roll-loving Julia is quite a contrast to the strait-laced Mimi, prompting jealousies and heartache - yet the evident volatility of Lennon's mum also hints at the troubled past behind these unconventional domestic arrangements. Persuasive lookalike Johnson holds his own against experienced performers Duff and Scott Thomas (who is as marvellous as ever), while provocative British artist Sam Taylor-Wood takes a surprisingly measured approach in her directorial feature debut. Balancing emotive drama, pop history and evocative period piece, the film is undeniably engrossing and an illuminating addition to the Beatles mythology.

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.