The film tells the story of John Lennon's youth in 1950s Liverpool, showing him before he became a legend. Fifteen-year-old John lives with his stern Aunt Mimi, who raises him with strict discipline. Suddenly, his impulsive mother, Julia, who abandoned him as a child, reappears in his life. Torn between the two women, John finds solace in rebellion and music. Under Julia's influence, he masters the guitar, forms his first band, The Quarrymen, and meets Paul McCartney.