Magnolia Pictures has acquired the North American rights to Kevin Macdonald’s latest documentary, “One to One: John & Yoko,” which made a significant impact with its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, followed by a showcase at Telluride. This film offers an exclusive peek into the intimate 18-month period during which music legends John Lennon and Yoko Ono lived in Greenwich Village, New York City, during the early 1970s. The documentary represents a pivotal exploration of their journey as both individuals and as an influential couple at a time when cultural and political changes were sweeping across the United States.
Set to be released in Imax on April 11, 2025, and à la HBO and streaming on Max later that same year, “One to One” promises to provide audiences with never-before-seen materials and restored footage from Lennon’s only full-length concert after leaving The Beatles. The documentary’s structure not only interweaves music with elements of historical relevance but also reflects the couple’s ongoing evolution and the atmosphere of transformation that enveloped them during their time in America.
In the film, viewers are transported back to a time in the early 1970s, a period marked by significant social upheaval and cultural change. After moving to the United States, John and Yoko settled into a modest apartment in Greenwich Village, found themselves both fascinated and affected by the abundant American television shows of that time. This unconventional lifestyle set the stage for their increasing engagement with societal issues, ultimately culminating in the notable “One to One” benefit concert at Madison Square Garden, which took place on August 30, 1972.
The documentary does a masterful job of illustrating how the couple’s experiences and interactions with American culture and media influenced their perspectives on social justice and activism. In the film, director Kevin Macdonald highlights how a specific Geraldo Rivera exposé they viewed on television inspired their actions, ultimately leading to the orchestration of the concert.
Macdonald’s direction is characterized by an emphasis on the human aspect of John and Yoko’s narrative, as expressed by Magnolia’s co-CEOs, Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley. They describe “One to One: John & Yoko” as a “marvelously human and revealing look at the iconic couple.” Such an approach emphasizes the multifaceted relationship between John and Yoko, allowing audiences to perceive them not merely as pop culture icons but as deeply compassionate individuals experiencing love, loss, and ambition.
The film’s intimate portrayal is enhanced through audio remastering overseen by their son, Sean Ono Lennon, linking past and present while providing a contemporary resonance that feels relevant to today’s audience. Macdonald’s commitment to capturing the essence of this era film demonstrates how the stories of our past can reiterate and inform our understanding of contemporary social and political contexts.
The Collaborative Effort Behind the Camera
“One to One: John & Yoko” is a product of collaboration among dedicated filmmakers. Alongside Macdonald, co-director Sam Rice-Edwards plays a crucial role in shaping the film’s narrative. The production team, which includes notable figures such as Brad Pitt and Dede Gardner, adds a layer of gravitas to the film. Their involvement speaks to the importance of this project, reflecting an understanding that John and Yoko’s influence extends beyond music and into the domains of art and activism.
As we approach the film’s release, it becomes clear that “One to One: John & Yoko” is more than just a documentary; it is a reflective exploration of love, activism, and the human condition. By situating the film in the context of the sociopolitical landscape of the 1970s, Macdonald invokes a sense of nostalgia while initiating discussions about the relevance of those turbulent times in today’s world. This documentary is essential viewing for anyone interested in understanding not only the whimsical, passionate lives of its subjects but also the broader implications of their contributions to society and culture.