To be honest, I had no idea who Robbie Williams was, and judging by the disappointing box office numbers, it seems most Americans don’t either. I went into this peculiar musical biopic—where Robbie Williams plays himself as a CGI monkey—with zero expectations or investment. So, imagine my surprise when Better Man turned out to be genuinely impressive. And this is coming from someone who typically struggles with movie musicals.
Biopics about musical figures have been done so frequently that their formulas often feel predictable and uninspired. These films typically follow a familiar narrative: the protagonist’s meteoric rise to fame, a downfall marked by substance abuse, and a triumphant comeback in the finale. While these “safe” biopics aim to preserve the subject’s public image, they rarely delve deeply into their complexities or flaws. Better Man does adhere to this formula, chronicling Robbie Williams’ dramatic ascent, struggles, and eventual resurgence. However, what sets Better Man apart is its raw emotional honesty.
Williams’ tells his story from his perspective, and he does not hold back in showing the self-destructive life he has lived. We witness the overdoses, the cheating, the narcissistic and borderline abusive behavior that Williams committed while addicted to drugs and alcohol. So much so that it feels self incriminating due to the self-awareness and brutal honesty. It is a self-critique at its finest, and a profound apology at its heart. It is very rare to see a biopic be this vulnerable and I wish more would be like it.
Shifting focus from the vulnerable story, the musical elements in Better Man are truly exceptional. Michael Gracey, whose only previous directorial credit is 2017’s The Greatest Showman, proves himself to be one of Hollywood’s finest directors of movie musicals. Every musical number is brimming with energy and comes alive on the big screen. From the dynamic one-take sequence of “Rock DJ” to the intimate and vulnerable rendition of “Come Undone” set within the confines of a car, Better Man sets a new standard for how movie musicals should be directed. And this praise comes from someone who typically struggles to enjoy movie musicals.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: Robbie Williams portrayed as a CGI chimpanzee. On paper, this creative choice shouldn’t work—but somehow, it does. It powerfully underscores how Williams perceives himself as a “dancing monkey,” constantly performing for others. Despite the layers of CGI, his struggles and humanity shine through. Jonno Davies delivers a stellar performance, bringing Williams to life with his voice and motion capture work, while Williams himself narrates the story with raw vulnerability. The ensemble cast adds depth and honesty, helping to make this unconventional musical biopic unexpectedly compelling.
Overall, Better Man has to be one of the biggest surprises of 2024. It has no right being as good as it was as it had everything going against it. It is a true shame that it is bombing at the box office because this is easily one of the best music biopic I have seen. It breaks out of the mold that this genre has forced itself into for not only its energy, but its deep character study. I wish more biopics had the guts that Better Man had.
My Rating: A-
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