Better Man (2025) - Movie Review
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| Better Man Review 2025 |
Introduction
Technically, Better Man is a 2025 film, as it had a limited release in December 2025 for an Oscar push. However, its wide release in the U.S. happened this weekend. So, let's talk about it
Better Man Trailer
A Musical Biopic with a Twist
Better Man is a biopic about musical artist Robbie Williams,
directed by Michael Gracie. Biopics about musicians have become quite
formulaic, and we recently had one about Bob Dylan. Now, we have this one about
Robbie Williams, who was much bigger in the UK than in the US. Personally, I
didn't know much about him or his music, except for the song Millennium,
which I loved. I mostly knew it because it played on the radio and was on Now
That’s What I Call Music 2.
The Unexpected Choice: Robbie Williams as a Chimp
One of the most unique aspects of this film is that
Robbie Williams is portrayed as a chimpanzee. Initially, I wasn’t looking
forward to this because the musical biopic subgenre has become predictable, and
making the main artist a chimp seemed like a desperate attempt to stand out.
However, I was pleasantly surprised. This is arguably the best motion-capture
chimp acting since Andy Serkis.
Robbie Williams himself has stated that he has always
seen himself as less evolved than others, which seems to justify this creative
choice. Initially, I thought this meant the movie would be a fluff piece, but I
was impressed by how it portrayed his struggles. While every biopic tends to
sugarcoat the lows, this film didn’t shy away from his flaws.
A Familiar Story Told with Energy
When discussing what I liked about Better Man,
it might sound like any other musical biopic. And, in many ways, it is.
However, the way it tells its story is what sets it apart. The film has an
engaging energy that makes it stand out, making the familiar elements feel
fresh.
Musical Numbers That Elevate the Film
This isn’t a full-blown musical, but it does feature
musical sequences. I’ve become somewhat critical of modern musicals, especially
when characters break into overly dramatic songs about their pain. However, the
musical numbers in Better Man are different—they have fantastic
momentum, solid energy, and are visually stunning. Even with the volume muted,
the sequences would still be engaging. This is a testament to the film’s strong
editing and effects.
One of the standout aspects is how the film transitions
between moments, especially during Robbie Williams’ downward spiral. Whether
it’s a line of coke or a drink, the transitions feel seamless and
time-efficient. The film runs a little over two hours, but without this smart
editing, it could have easily been closer to three.
Why Making Him a Chimp Works
Most musical biopics take creative liberties, and by
making Robbie Williams a chimp, the film signals that it’s okay to embrace the
fantastical elements. This creative decision helps the audience accept that not
every moment may be 100% accurate.
At its core, Better Man tells a deeply human
story. It explores fame, but more importantly, it delves into how fame and
money don’t solve personal problems. We’ve seen countless biopics where the
protagonist falls into drugs and alcohol, but this film does an excellent job
illustrating why he falls into those vices. It effectively portrays his
doubts, anxiety, depression, and the inner voice that constantly criticizes
him.
A Movie About Forgiveness and Acceptance
One of the film’s most powerful themes is
forgiveness—not just forgiving those around you, but also forgiving yourself.
It portrays the emotional weight of fame in a way that feels fresh and
relatable. There’s a line in the movie comparing fame to when people sing Happy
Birthday in a restaurant, and you just want the moment to end so you can
enjoy your cake. This analogy is simple yet incredibly effective.
By the end, I found myself emotionally invested, even
shedding some tears during the final scene. The movie takes the traditional
biopic formula and injects it with energy, accessibility, and fun, making it
stand out from the crowd. Despite Robbie Williams’ struggles, the film
maintains a sense of purpose and understanding, making the audience connect
with his journey.
Final Verdict
I initially thought making Robbie Williams a chimp was
a gimmick I’d roll my eyes at, but in the end, it made perfect sense. Better
Man is a solid cinematic start to 2025. It revitalizes the musical biopic
genre with its dynamic storytelling and unique creative choices.
Summery
Better Man (2025), directed by Michael Gracie, is a musical
biopic about Robbie Williams, featuring the bold creative choice of portraying
him as a chimp. Initially, this seemed gimmicky, but it surprisingly worked,
adding a unique perspective to his struggles with fame, anxiety, and addiction.
The film injects fresh energy into the familiar biopic formula with engaging
musical sequences, seamless transitions, and strong editing. At its core, it’s
a story about self-acceptance and forgiveness. The movie balances realism with
fantasy, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. A strong cinematic
start to 2025, Better Man is truly awesome-tacular
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