Better Man (2024): review

Better Man is an unusual, daring biopic that fascinates while taking the risk of dividing its audience. Michael Gracey, director of The Greatest Showman, approaches Robbie Williams’ life in a way that breaks from familiar music-biography conventions. The film follows his rise with Take That and subsequent solo career while confronting addiction, self-doubt and his internal struggles.

Williams as a chimpanzee

The most striking choice is to portray Williams as a computer-generated chimpanzee. It represents his sense of inadequacy and reflects his psychological conflicts. Some may find the device excessive, while others will see it as a bold statement that separates the film from conventional biopics. I found it an effective metaphor, expressing an artist’s insecurities through exaggerated but powerful imagery.

Music as the emotional centre

The musical scenes are spectacularly staged and form the film’s emotional heart. Angels, Let Me Entertain You and She’s the One are reworked and woven into the story to emphasise turning points. The London street-dance sequence set to Rock DJ is particularly impressive, with inventive choreography that reminds us of Williams’ charisma as a performer.

Jonno Davies and the ensemble

Jonno Davies stands out as Williams, giving a strong, nuanced performance through motion capture. The resulting chimpanzee character can be both affecting and forceful. Damon Herriman as manager Nigel and Alison Steadman as Williams’ grandmother Betty also give strong performances, lending credibility and emotion to the surrounding relationships.

Gracey between fantasy and reality

Gracey’s direction is bold and visually impressive. Fantasy and reality, supported by elaborate effects, create a dreamlike quality suited to Williams’ chaotic life. His artistic freedom may seem too experimental to some viewers, but I found it a refreshing approach that expands what a biopic can do.

Some scenes fall short

Not everything works completely. Some scenes run too long, and the surreal elements can occasionally become overwhelming. Nevertheless, the positive impressions outweigh those weaknesses. The film has a clear vision and tells its story of triumph and fragility with heart and artistic ambition.

Triumph and fragility

Better Man is more than a conventional musician’s biography. It travels through the highs and lows of an artist struggling with the world and himself. Spectacular musical sequences, emotional depth and visual extravagance make it an experience that stays with me.

Verdict

Williams fans should see it, but viewers interested in inventive storytelling and musical creativity also have plenty to enjoy. Better Man demonstrates that a biopic can be bold, and perhaps should be.