The Wasteland Reviewer

Better Man (2024) Written Review

Who is Robbie Williams? A young boy who came up from the most modest of beginnings who debuted in a successful boy band and finally the stratosphere as one of the UK’s biggest pop stars. This certainly was not an easy road due to abandonment by his father and his succumbing to the vices of fame (sex and drugs galore). This is a similar story to so many of the greats whose stories have graced the silver screen before. Elton John. Freddie Mercury. Ray Charles. Johnny Cash. So on and so on and so on. But…you have never seen a music biopic quite like Michael Gracey’s Better Man. 

What makes this film so unique to the genre? The most obvious thing is…the CGI humanoid chimpanzee. This seems like such an out of left field idea, but this was from the mind of Williams himself. This film is incredibly personal and intimate to Williams as he puts his voice all over it. From his own words…he is not the most “evolved” of people and this is apparently how he preserves himself. The special effects in the film are quite impressive with the details in his chimp face reaching the needed level to express all his feelings (Williams is quite charismatic and expressive). But that is not the extent of the creative and bold choices from Gracey. Williams’ insecurities and imposter syndrome are manifested in versions of himself in every crowd he performs too. This motif is unique and effective in conveying his internal struggle during every one of his performances. This climaxes with one of the wildest battle scenes in film this year…you heard that right. 

How does Gracey channel Williams’ music talents? Like Rocket Man, Better Man is a fantastical musical on top of being a biopic pick. This is a jukebox musical of all of Williams’ most famous songs and there are some certified bangers throughout this 145-minute flick. The energy that Gracey brings to the film keeps this going and moving. The creative and bold visuals are some of the most daring elements of this film which brings it so much life. The big dance number to “Rock DJ” is one of the most fun and exciting scenes in the whole film. There is an expertly crafted musical sequence for a big loss in Williams’ life. The sharp editing helps this emotional montage come to life while Williams performs one of his most emotional and poignant songs. There are a few big music performances that have great scale and dynamic camera work with Gracey and his crew stepping up. 

Does Williams’ story offer up something compelling and moving as well? There are quite a few familiar elements but that makes sense as many music stars struggle with the same vices to process fame and the pressure of this lifestyle. The drug elements are familiar, but Gracey captures how horrifying the experience can be through some sleek filmmaking. There is certainly familial trauma that affected Williams. The abandonment and lack of love by his father is one of the biggest thematic threads of the film. Better Man delivers such an impressively satisfying conclusion to this narrative thread (which is a memorable and emotional duet of an iconic song). The relationship that Williams has with his grandmother is the real heart and soul of the film. His relationships with his childhood friend, his significant other, and his boy band are some elements that feel a little underdone. But the energy and propulsive atmosphere injects strong emotion and moves the audience pass them well. 

Better Man…is this a new high bar for music biopics? This is bold, brash, visceral, raw, emotional, and creative as hell. Williams’ life comes to the big screen through expert filmmaking that is made of impressive technical prowess. The music from our subject shines on screen and will make you want to get up and move through the runtime. This film is unabashedly authentic in how it shows the dark side to fame (despite the wild fantasy elements of the film). Gracey followed up The Greatest Showman with a more dynamic, deep, and thoroughly emotional experience that will hopefully find some traction this awards’ season.