Kevin Macdonald’s One to One: John and Yoko is both a time capsule and a deeply personal exploration of two (well, only one really) of the most iconic figures in music history.
Tackling the 18 pivotal months of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s lives in New York’s Greenwich Village beginning in 1971, this documentary immerses us in an intimate portrait of their unique bond, tireless activism, and raw humanity.
At its core, One to One is an expansive look at Lennon and Ono’s lives at the intersection of art, activism, and dissatisfaction. Rather than adhering to a rigid narrative structure, Macdonald allows John and Yoko’s voices, alongside a mosaic of archival footage, to tell their story. From candid phone calls to vintage American television clips, advertisements, and Vietnam War footage, the documentary situates us firmly in their chaotic, yet hopeful, world. This filmmaking approach, while unconventional, paints a genuine picture of two artists trying to make sense of the world around them.
While this lack of a clear narrative structure boosts the authenticity of the experience, it may be a stumbling block for some viewers. Without a traditional storyline to anchor its many themes and timelines, the film meanders about aimlessly and even drags a bit at times. For those seeking a linear or conventional documentary style, this might prove frustrating.
However, with each scene, we see the couple’s devotion to issues of race, feminism, environmentalism, and the political upheaval of the early 1970s. Yet, beyond their public activism, there is a powerful underlying theme of turning toward the personal. John and Yoko were seeking to balance their disillusionment with large-scale political movements by focusing on intimate, heart-driven efforts to challenge the country’s status quo.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Lennon and Ono story without music, and Macdonald certainly delivers here. Something that I personally didn’t know a whole lot about becomes the centerpiece of the film: the One to One benefit concert at Madison Square Garden on August 30, 1972. Seeing John Lennon take the stage for his only full-length concert performance post-Beatles is goosebump-inducing to say the least. Renditions of "Come Together" and "Imagine" exude raw energy and emotion.
A definite highlight for music lovers is the drive of Lennon’s artistry during an all-star jam session that features guests “Bowzer” from Sha Na Na and Stevie Wonder. Watching them come together is nothing short of magical. The concert footage, painstakingly restored and remixed by Sean Ono Lennon, elevates these moments into an exhilarating experience that bridges past and present.
The film also finds resonance in its nuanced exploration of identity and personal struggle. One particularly poignant thread through the narrative is Lennon’s confrontation with his own childhood trauma. Additionally, Yoko Ono’s pivotal yet often misunderstood role in their shared story is given the respect it deserves, challenging long-held misperceptions. No. She didn’t break up the Beatles! There, I said it.
The concept of “children” as a thematic undercurrent is especially meaningful. Whether in the symbolic rebirth of Sean Ono Lennon, the anguish over Yoko’s separation from her daughter Kyoko (the driving force for the couple’s move to America), or the documentary’s broader focus on the children of the Willowbrook State School for the developmentally disabled, this theme acts as a unifying force. It reminds us of the legacy John and Yoko sought to create—not just in their music, but as individuals striving to build a better world.
Ultimately, One to One: John and Yoko achieves its goal of challenging pre-existing notions of this iconic duo. It’s a love letter to their artistry, their activism, and their imperfections as humans. You’ll leave the film with a deeper understanding of John and Yoko—not as untouchable icons, but as real people seeking to further their purpose amidst a chaotic era.
For Beatles fans, music historians, or anyone who understands that one and one and one is three, One to One: John and Yoko is a revelatory, deeply human, and utterly compelling tribute.
MPAA Rating: R.
Runtime: 100 mins
Director: Kevin Macdonald
Writer:
Cast: John Lennon; Yoko Ono; Shirley Chisholm
Genre: Documentary | Music
Tagline:
Memorable Movie Quote: "I'm talking to a myth."
Distributor: Magnolia International
Official Site:
Release Date: April 25, 2025
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: Set in 1972 New York, this documentary explores John and Yoko's world amid a turbulent era. Centered on the One to One charity concert for special needs children, it features unseen archives, home movies, and restored footage.
