BETTER MAN (2024)

Genre: Musical/Biography
Director: Michael Gracey
Cast: Robbie Williams, Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Alison Steadman, Kate Mulvany, Frazer Hadfield, Damon Herriman, Raechelle Banno, Jake Simmance, Liam Head, Chase Vollenweider, Jesse Hyde, Anthony Hayes, John Waters, Leo Harvey-Elledge, Chris Gun
Runtime: 2 hrs 15 mins
Rating: M18 (Drug Use and Coarse Language)
Released By: Shaw Organisation
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 9 January 2025

Synopsis: From the visionary behind The Greatest Showman, Michael Gracey redefines how stories are told in Better Man, offering a fresh take on the life and career of global music icon Robbie Williams. This is not your traditional biopic-expect a narrative that blends reality with the extraordinary, symbolizing the highs and lows of Williams' career in a completely new light.

Movie Review:

When we talk about movie musicals in 2024, the first title that comes to most people minds is probably Jon M. Chu’s Wicked. But there is another gem that we are strongly recommending, and while the concept of the biographical musical film may sound gimmicky, trust us – it is an experience that you will enjoy on the big screen.

Based on the life of British pop singer Robbie Williams, this movie portrays him as a chimpanzee. Yes, you read that right – a chimpanzee. It is a creative decision that can go both ways. Viewers familiar with Williams’ career would know that while he is loved for his charisma, there are also haters who do not agree with his egoistic personality and over the top persona. So, it may come across as a self righteous move that Williams is presenting himself as a chimpanzee to reflect on his self perception and what he has gone through in showbiz.

Thankfully, this 135 minute movie manages to let viewers see Williams as an individual battling with the demons that come with the fame game. Sure, it is a story that we have seen umpteenth times, but it works here in a way that immerses you in Williams’ life story.

We first see Williams as an adorable chimpanzee (you will get used to this) growing up in a humble family. With a father who loves performing, Williams pursues his dream in the entertainment industry and becomes a member of Take That (audiences who grew up in the 1990s would resonate with the English boyband). Through a series of ups and downs, Williams (who is now a grown chimpanzee) goes through the best and worst times of his life. And what’s the best thing here? The story is told through some of William’s most loved hits, including “She’s the One” and “Let Me Entertain You”.

The enjoyment doesn’t stop there. With Michael Gracey helming the movie, there are some truly spectacular sequences. Gracey, who mesmerised us with his astonishing work on The Greatest Showman (2017), delivers his magic again here. The standout piece takes place on London’s famed Regent Street, where you will witness Williams (as a teen chimpanzee), the actors playing Take That members, together with hundreds of extras, dancing to “Rock DJ” in an extravagantly choreographed sequence. It is a scene that you have to watch to feel its infectious energy.

Visual effects studio Weta FX is responsible for creating Williams the chimpanzee. With an established CV of creating simians for Peter Jackson’s King Kong (2005) and the Planet of the Apes reboot series (2011 – 2024), you can expect a top notch job here. Thanks to actor Jonno Davies, who was in a mocap suit while performing alongside his co stars, the result is a chimpanzee with human emotions so real, you will wonder whether there is still a place in showbiz for bad actors.

As the film progresses, you will see (or remember) Williams’ self destruction phase - there’s even an apt but cheeky inclusion of the introduction to “Somethin’ Stupid”, Williams and Nicole Kidman’s cover of the song by Frank Sinatra and Nancy Sinatra. As a celebrity, he fought substance abuse, as well as mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Through extremely heartfelt songs like “Angels” and “Better Man”, you will be moved by the man’s honesty about these struggles.

Movie Rating:

(Robbie Williams is over-the-top and egoistical, but he is also a guy who dreamt big, pursued the fame game and paid the price - and Michael Gracey's bold biopic affectionately captures all of that)

Review by John Li