More than four decades after his tragic death, John Lennon remains one of the most studied, celebrated, and deeply human figures in modern music history. This week, the much-anticipated documentary “Borrowed Time: Lennon’s Last Decade” premiered in select theaters and streaming platforms — but while fans were eager to revisit Lennon’s final years, not everyone is applauding the result.
The documentary, directed by Emmy-winner Hannah Reilly, uses rare archival footage, interviews with close friends and family, and, most controversially, AI-assisted editing techniques that attempt to recreate moments for which little or no footage exists. The intention, according to the filmmakers, was to “fill in emotional and narrative gaps” — but the reaction from critics and audiences has been decidedly mixed.
The Vision Behind “Borrowed Time”
Focusing on the period from 1970 to 1980, the film traces Lennon’s life after the Beatles — from his move to New York City, his “Lost Weekend” in Los Angeles, his activism, fatherhood, and his creative reawakening during the making of Double Fantasy.
For many fans, the film is deeply moving, offering candid moments and previously unheard recordings that illuminate Lennon’s personal transformation.
“You see a man healing, a man searching,” one early viewer shared. “It’s emotional, especially if you lived through those years.”
The Controversy – AI in the Spotlight
The heart of the backlash centers on the use of artificial intelligence to reconstruct scenes and even enhance Lennon’s voice in brief segments. Using AI, the filmmakers created visual composites of Lennon in settings described in letters or recalled in interviews — such as playing guitar with Sean on a snowy day in Central Park.
While the intention was artistic and respectful, many fans and ethicists are raising questions.
“There’s a fine line between honoring someone and digitally resurrecting them,” one critic wrote. “Lennon was about raw truth. Using AI feels… unnatural.”
Yoko Ono’s estate was not involved in the production, but Sean Lennon reportedly consulted briefly on the project.
A Divided Response
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently holds a 68% critic score, with praise for its narrative depth but criticism for its digital experimentation. Social media response is equally split — some calling it a “must-see for Lennon lovers,” while others question whether AI belongs in something so personal.
“It made me cry,” a fan posted. “But I don’t know if John would’ve approved.”
Conclusion – Memory, Technology, and the Man Behind the Legend
“Borrowed Time” is more than a documentary — it’s a conversation starter. About memory. About ethics. About how we tell stories in a time when technology can rewrite history.
Love it or hate it, the film makes one thing clear: John Lennon still matters. His questions, his flaws, his yearning for peace — they still echo.
And maybe that’s the real takeaway: we’re still listening.