BETTER MAN (2024) – A Brilliantly Unique and Emotional Biopic of Robbie Williams
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This latest biopic of a famous musician is quite possibly the best in recent memory. Better Man seems to have come out of nowhere, surprising everyone when it snagged the Best Film award at the AACTA (Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards). Seeing clips of Robbie Williams accepting the award made me want to watch it immediately, considering he’s one of my all-time favorite singers. And to top it all off, it’s directed by the Australian filmmaker Michael Gracey, who gave us the unforgettable The Greatest Showman.
From the very start, you know you’re in for something truly unique. Michael Gracey made the audacious choice to portray Robbie Williams as a CGI monkey throughout the entire movie! Yes, you read that right—a CGI monkey. It might sound childish or distracting, but trust me, it’s neither. The CGI is so well done, and the monkey’s behavior and facial expressions are so natural that you’ll quickly accept it as a brilliant metaphor for how Robbie Williams sees himself within his biography. The story takes us from Robbie’s childhood days to his breakthrough with Take That, and his subsequent solo career amidst a turbulent battle with alcohol and drug abuse. Robbie doesn’t shy away from showing his weaknesses and flaws, giving us a raw and honest portrayal. But unlike many biopics of fallen superstars, this one offers a glimmer of hope, culminating in an emotionally charged and uplifting final act.
The film is peppered with some fantastic musical numbers, seamlessly integrated into the storyline, giving the lyrics new life as they reflect the unfolding narrative. One standout is the elaborately choreographed ROCK DJ performance on London’s iconic Regent Street. It’s a visual feast and a testament to Michael Gracey’s directing prowess.
Better Man is a powerhouse film that hits all the right notes. It’s a musical like no other—a story that doesn’t coddle its main character, a visual and auditory delight, and an emotionally moving performance from a CGI monkey (brilliantly brought to life by Jonno Davies in a motion capture suit and voiced by Robbie himself). You’ll find yourself tearing up more than a few times throughout the movie. With this film, Michael Gracey proves he’s at the top of his game and a force to be reckoned with.
