New John & Yoko film shows rare footage of The Beatles legend in Syracuse

Published: Sunday, November 30, 2025 at 1:07 pm

New Documentary Offers Rare Glimpse into John Lennon and Yoko Ono's Life

A new documentary, "One to One: John & Yoko," offers a fresh perspective on the life of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, featuring previously unseen footage. The film, which premiered on HBO earlier this month, delves into the couple's life during the early 1970s, including their social activism and their relationship.

The documentary showcases intimate moments, including their life in a New York City apartment and their involvement in anti-war efforts. A key highlight is restored footage of their One to One benefit concert at Madison Square Garden, Lennon's only full-length performance after leaving The Beatles.

Notably, the film includes rare footage from the Everson Museum of Art, where Ono held her first solo museum show in 1971. The exhibit, which was unfinished, drew a crowd of over 6,000 people. The film captures the couple interacting with fans, including a private meal at the museum. The exhibit featured various art pieces, including a rotting apple and a girl bumping into a wall inside a glass maze.

Directed by Kevin Macdonald, the documentary incorporates archival material, including car commercials and news reports, to provide context to the era. The film also features a remixed soundtrack by Sean Ono Lennon, who hopes the documentary will highlight his mother's musical talent.

The film's executive producers include Brad Pitt and Sean Ono Lennon.

BNN's Perspective: This documentary offers a valuable look into a pivotal period in Lennon and Ono's lives. While the focus on their art and activism is welcome, it's important to remember that the couple's lives were complex. The film's success will depend on its ability to balance the celebration of their artistic contributions with a nuanced portrayal of their personal lives.

Keywords: John Lennon, Yoko Ono, One to One, documentary, HBO, Everson Museum of Art, The Beatles, music, art, Kevin Macdonald, Sean Ono Lennon, concert, film

Full Story