The internet is having a major “glitch in the matrix” moment following the buzz around the new documentary One to One: John and Yoko. As the film prepares to hit HBO on November , fans on TikTok and X are pointing out the eerie similarities between the world of and the headlines dominating our feeds today.
Directed by Kevin Macdonald, the film was originally intended to focus on John Lennon’s benefit concert for children with intellectual disabilities. However, when the Lennon estate unearthed private audio recordings from the couple’s West Village apartment, the project transformed into a “time capsule” that has modern audiences doing a double-take.
A Mirror to the Present
Social media users have been quick to note that the “viral” moments of the early ‘s feel ripped from today’s trending topics. The film showcases a world grappling with a seemingly endless war, massive protests at the White House, and student-led demonstrations on college campuses.
Perhaps the most talked-about parallel? The documentary features a Black woman running for president and a politician being shot in front of supporters – events that resonate deeply with the current political climate.
“You look at what’s going on on TV at this time and in America now and the conversations about race, the conversations about feminism, it’s the same damn things,” Macdonald noted, echoing the sentiments of fans who have seen early clips of the film.
Inside the Love Nest
Beyond the politics, the film offers an intimate, voyeuristic look at John and Yoko’s daily life in their two-bedroom NYC apartment. In a move that has sparked praise from film buffs, Macdonald avoided “talking head” interviews, opting instead for archival footage and a meticulous recreation of the couple’s home – right down to a “Peanuts” pillowcase.
The documentary also dives into the couple’s “woke” awakening long before the term became a social media staple. While John is seen sympathizing with activists, Yoko is portrayed with a more cautious approach to their newfound political platform.
Justice for Yoko Ono
One of the most emotional segments gaining traction online involves Yoko Ono. For decades, the narrative has often painted her as the woman who “broke up the Beatles.” However, the film provides what many fans are calling long-overdue “vindication” for the artist.
The footage captures Ono speaking frankly at a feminist conference and sharing the “inner torture” she felt over the abduction of her child from a previous relationship. “To me, the core theme of the film is about childhood and about the pain left over from childhood when you’re an adult,” Macdonald explains.
The Sean Lennon Touch
Even with its heavy themes, the film ends on a lighthearted note, thanks to some creative input from John and Yoko’s son, Sean Lennon, who serves as an executive producer.
While the director initially considered an ending featuring the demolition of the couple’s Greenwich flat, Sean suggested a pivot to something more heartwarming: his own baby videos. As the documentary proves, whether it’s or , cute baby videos are the one thing that never goes out of style.
As the November premiere approaches, the conversation continues to grow. Whether you’re a die-hard Beatles fan or just someone fascinated by the cycle of history, One to One is proving that while times change, the human experience stays remarkably the same.
