In 1961, Brian Epstein (Jacob Fortune-Lloyd) convinces his father (Eddie Marsan) to allow him to start a record section in his father’s megastore. After establishing himself as a hit-spotter, Brian’s assistant flags that a band who have released a popular, but hard to get, record are playing at Liverpool’s Cavern Club. Brian rushes down to the subterranean lair to see the band that calls itself The Beatles.

The movie follows the development of the most influential band in the world and the man behind it. Dubbed ‘the fifth Beatle’, the influence Brian Epstein had on the band cannot be overstated. A young, handsome, and successful gentleman, Brian was perfectly placed in history, skills, and experience to recognise the talent beneath the rough and unruly surface, and the group’s effect on young women.

The movie takes a slightly more serious tone once we discover Brian’s secret and dangerous double life. As homosexuality was criminalised at the time, Brian was forced to go out under the cover of night at risk of arrest, assault, and potential extortion.

Like I Wanna Dance With Somebody (2022), the movie comes close to devolving into a by-the-numbers musical biopic checklist as opposed to telling a complete story focused on a specific period of time. The movie is at its strongest when focusing on Brian and his interactions with the band.

Verdict: A solid study of a misplaced character searching for love, without recognising his perfect position to gift it to the world. 3.5 stars.

Luke McWilliams, themovieclub.net. Viewed at Dendy Cinemas.