Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5 Stars)
Released 12-25-2024
Watched 02-15-2025
Reviewed 02-22-2025
Rented from Apple TV
"Fame is a powerful aphrodisiac. It means even ugly people can get laid."
Biopics about musicians often walk a fine line between artistic expression and factual storytelling, but Better Man (2024) veers too far into self-indulgence. Directed by Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), this take on Robbie Williams’ life attempts to blend reality with fantasy but ends up feeling like an odd fever dream. Despite some visually stunning moments, it’s hard to imagine American audiences connecting with this film, as many are only vaguely aware of Williams’ legacy.
At the heart of Better Man is the deeply personal and often tragic story of Robbie Williams, chronicling his rise from Take That fame to his solo career while battling personal demons. However, the film makes a baffling creative choice by inserting a CGI monkey as a representation of Williams’ feeling like a “performing monkey” and being “less evolved than other people.” While the metaphor makes sense in theory, in execution, it’s an unnecessary and distracting addition. What could have been a powerful visual in a single, well-placed scene instead overstays its welcome, pulling focus away from the actual narrative.
The film’s nomination for Best Visual Effects at the Academy Awards is perhaps its only real claim to fame, though even that recognition feels more like an acknowledgment of technical effort rather than meaningful execution. The CGI work is undoubtedly polished, but the monkey itself adds little to the emotional weight of the story. Instead of enhancing Williams’ struggles, it becomes a bizarre spectacle that detracts from the film’s core message.
Beyond the peculiar artistic choices, Better Man struggles with its audience appeal. While Robbie Williams is a household name in the UK and much of Europe, he remains largely unknown in the United States. Without that cultural connection, American viewers may find it hard to invest in his journey. The film assumes a level of familiarity that simply isn’t there, offering little to engage those unfamiliar with his work. A biopic should make its subject compelling to all audiences, not just those who are already fans, and Better Man falls short in this regard.
The performances are solid, and there are moments of genuine emotional depth, but they aren’t enough to elevate the film beyond its missteps. Despite some dazzling musical sequences and a deep dive into Williams’ psyche, Better Man ultimately lacks cohesion. It will likely be remembered as a footnote in 2024’s cinematic landscape, a film that tried something different but missed the mark.
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