Better Man Review
Dive into my in-depth review of Better Man, the bold and emotional biopic about pop icon Robbie Williams. I explore the film's unique creative choices—like Robbie portraying himself as a chimpanzee—and how it powerfully represents his struggles with fame, identity, and mental health. From dazzling musical numbers to raw, vulnerable moments, this review breaks down why Better Man stands out as one of the most unforgettable musician biopics. Join me as I unpack the highs, the lows, and everything in between in this captivating look at Robbie Williams’ journey to stardom.
REVIEWS
Michael Rockwell
1/17/20252 min read
"My name is Robbie Williams, and for the next two hours… YOUR ASS IS MINE!"
This should have been the tagline for Better Man. It perfectly captures who Robbie Williams is—well, a monkey. Seriously. To make the film stand out, Robbie Williams chose to portray himself as a chimpanzee to symbolize feeling less evolved than everyone else. This creative choice is showcased brilliantly throughout the film.
Better Man is a compelling story about England's biggest pop star and his journey from a nobody to a somebody. But his story isn’t an easy one. I’ve seen many musician biopics, but this felt like it was on another level.
Directed by Michael Gracey (not Michael Macey), known for The Greatest Showman, the film dazzles with beautifully crafted musical sequences. Performances of "Rock DJ," "Angels," and other hits shine, while the softer songs highlight the beauty in Robbie's lyrics.
But how is the movie overall? Fantastic. I knew nothing about Robbie Williams before this film. When I first saw the trailer, I thought, “Cool, but why does this remind me of Planet of the Apes?” Then I saw the "Rock DJ" clip, and I knew I had to watch it.
At the film's start, Robbie openly admits he was treated as a nobody, destined to stay that way despite his efforts. Family praise was all he had, but hope can dwindle when you’re unsure of your place in life. His big break came when he joined the boy band Take That, and the rest is history—a long, dark, and unexpectedly heavy history.
The film showcases Robbie's rise to fame and the mental health struggles that came with it. His choice to appear as a chimpanzee symbolizes his feelings of alienation. Yes, he could be difficult, but can you really blame him? The movie beautifully portrays his battle with inner demons—something I won’t spoil because it was a refreshing twist for a biopic.
By the end, I teared up. The film delivers a satisfying resolution for Robbie Williams, and it’s heartwarming to see him finally at peace.
So yes, this film is fantastic. It’s probably the best musician biopic I’ve seen. Was it odd seeing him as a monkey the entire time? Absolutely. But whether you struggle to connect emotionally (like my other half) or, like me, look past it, you’ll still enjoy the film.
I’m loving angels instead.
8.5/10