Critic’s Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Director: Michael Gracey
Cast: Robbie Williams (voice), Jonno Davies, Raechelle Banno, Jake Simmance
Plot
Better Man Movie Review is a fantastical biopic chronicling the life of British pop icon Robbie Williams, directed by The Greatest Showman’s Michael Gracey. The film explores Williams’ meteoric rise to fame with Take That, his chaotic solo career, and his battles with addiction and self-doubt—all through the lens of an unconventional twist: Robbie is portrayed as an anthropomorphic monkey, a visual metaphor for his inner struggles and self-perception.
What Works
Gracey masterfully blends whimsical surrealism with raw emotion, crafting a biopic that feels fresh and daring. The CGI monkey persona—voiced with soul by Robbie Williams—injects humor and depth into the narrative, allowing viewers to connect with Williams’ vulnerability and eccentricity.
The musical sequences are a visual and auditory feast, especially the jaw-dropping one-shot performance of Rock DJ, showcasing Take That’s rise through dazzling costume changes and hundreds of dancers. Moments like the surreal, underwater paparazzi attack during Come Undone and the demon-slaying set at Knebworth elevate the storytelling to cinematic brilliance.
Williams’ demons manifest as haunting doppelgängers, offering a poignant exploration of intrusive thoughts and self-doubt. This innovative approach, combined with Gracey’s fluid direction, keeps the film engaging even when it dips into familiar rise-fall-rise biopic territory.
What Doesn’t Work
The film occasionally leans too heavily on music biopic clichés, with the repetitive rhythms of fame, fall, and redemption. While Raechelle Banno does well as Nicole Appleton, her role feels underwritten, leaving the romantic subplot less impactful.
Fashion and Style in Better Man
The film’s costumes are as vibrant and bold as Robbie Williams’ career. From the sleek, era-defining suits of Take That to outlandish, glittery stage outfits and the iconic “space-age fat-sucking vacuum suit,” the wardrobe mirrors Williams’ theatrical persona. The visual storytelling extends to the CGI monkey’s wardrobe, with tuxedos, streetwear, and eccentric nightclub outfits that seamlessly blend absurdity and charm.
This playful yet poignant styling underscores Williams’ internal struggles while celebrating his audacious stage presence, making the costumes an integral part of the film’s whimsical narrative.
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Final Verdict
Better Man is an audacious reimagining of the music biopic genre, blending surreal humor with heartfelt introspection. Michael Gracey’s inventive direction and Robbie Williams’ self-aware storytelling create a film that’s as bold and brash as its subject. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to Robbie’s world, this whimsical journey is a must-watch.
