User reviews

As a lifelong Beatles fan, I had to watch this film. To be honest, I was already familiar with most of the narrative but could not resist an in depth view of the passion and pain behind the driving force!

And it started well. The relation between Epstein and his 'boys' was well acted and drew me in. This was largely down to an excellent performance from Jacob Fortune-Lloyd. He manages to combine passion, eccentricity and brilliance - particularly in the first half hour.

But for me it then lost its way and became a bit rushed. There isn't really enough space to explore the contradictions that led to Brian's tragic demise. The absence of any Beatles compositions was a huge problem. The memorable intro to Twist and Shout at the Royal Variety Show needs erm Twist and Shout. The same goes for the final scenes with the broadcast of All You Need is Love which did not include the song itself.

It all fell short of its opening promise. I have to mention a special performance from Darci Shaw as Cilla Black. Her touching moment with Brian is the standout moment.

Midas Man tackles the story of Brian Epstein, the visionary manager behind the rise of The Beatles, and delivers a focused, often insightful look at his journey from meeting the Fab Four to navigating the early waves of Beatlemania. Refreshingly, the film avoids detours into Epstein's childhood or lengthy setup, diving right into the pivotal moment when Epstein encounters the Beatles. It's exactly the timeline fans want to see, offering an experience that feels true to Epstein's impact on music history.

The performances are, for the most part, strong. Jacob Fortune-Lloyd's portrayal of Epstein is nuanced and genuine. He brings out the depth of Epstein's character-an ambitious yet vulnerable manager whose life was as complex as the band he helped shape. Fortune-Lloyd avoids any wooden stereotypes, instead delivering a believable and sensitive portrayal. However, some casting choices miss the mark visually. Jonah Lees as Lennon feels jarringly short, and while his performance captures some of Lennon's essence, the physical mismatch is hard to overlook. Similarly, Charley Palmer Rothwell as George Martin and John McCaffery as Mal Evans, though they have limited screen time, don't quite match the stature of the real figures, leaving some of the visual casting decisions a bit off.

However, Midas Man redeems itself with an outstanding performance from Blake Richardson as Paul McCartney. Richardson's portrayal captures Paul's charisma and wit in a way few actors have achieved in past Beatles films. He stands out as the highlight of the supporting cast, though fans may wish he had more screen time.

A poetic touch at the film's conclusion sees Epstein crossing Abbey Road-a nod to the famous cover of the Beatles' last album-a metaphorical and respectful close to Epstein's journey, though perhaps a bittersweet reminder of his absence from that iconic era.

There are some notable omissions that fans will feel keenly. The moment Lennon tells Epstein, "Okay then Brian, manage us," is left out-a line that marked a pivotal turning point in The Beatles' story. Its absence is a missed opportunity to capture the power of that early decision. Also absent is any exploration of Epstein's rumored fascination with Lennon, a subject of much speculation and possibly a deeper emotional undercurrent in Epstein's life. Additionally, the lack of Beatles music in the film is undeniably disappointing, though understandable given the high licensing fees. Still, a biopic on Epstein feels somewhat incomplete without the soundtrack that defined his career.

Midas Man is a well-crafted film that offers Beatles fans a fresh look at the pivotal role Brian Epstein played in the band's meteoric rise. Despite a few missed opportunities and the absence of Beatles music, the film captures the spirit of Epstein's ambition and the transformative period of the early '60s with style and sensitivity. While it may not replace the thrill of the original story, Midas Man shines as a heartfelt tribute to the "fifth Beatle" and offers an enjoyable, insightful experience that fans of the Fab Four won't want to miss.

The story of Brian Epstein is a fascinating story, and I'm afraid this film disappoints. The breaking of the fourth wall works in some films, but not this one. I didn't mind Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as Brian, but Jay Leno as Ed Sullivan was a terrible choice. I thought the actors playing The Beatles were OK , except John Lennon was way too short. It was off putting.

I think most people who will watch this film would be aware of The Beatles, so their story didn't have to be told. It was Brian Epsein's story, and I don't believe his story was told. I have been waiting years for someone to make decent biopic about Brian Epstein, and I guess I'll have to keep waiting.

The story of The Beatles is so well known that finding a new angle on it is almost impossible, however, this film tries by telling the story from the point of view of their manager, Brian Epstein. It succeeds well early on, recreating The Cavern club, the Epstein music store, and the very first meetings, but then the story becomes ever so familiar; Beatlemania; Abbey Road and George Martin; breaking America; the Ed Sullivan show etc etc, with a smattering of Epstein's ups and downs and his complex private life, which is portrayed as ultimately lonely and in turmoil, particularly in trying to deal with his homosexuality when it was still illegal and taboo. Jacob Fortune-Lloyd does an excellent job as Epstein, with good or passable cameos of George Martin, The Beatles themselves, Cilla and others, but I felt just maybe a bit more of the really early story, less of the so well trodden saga, might have made this more impressive. The film also deals well with the problem (because of the cost of song rights) of not including actual Beatles music. Not a failure, and definitely worth a look.

This wasn't exactly the film of the year for me, but it's a biopic that's good enough. The actors who played Brian and The Beatles are both charismatic and charming. I enjoyed the breaking of the fourth wall. But one criticism I have that is there could have been more focus on the Beatles themselves. Also, I understand there are copyright issues but I wish they used Beatles songs for the film. I would recommend this film to Beatles fans. There are better music biopics such as Rocketman and Bohemian Rhapsody, but this is a solid, well crafted film. Don't expect to be blown away by the film but it's an enjoyable watch.

"Midas Man" offers a compelling and often poignant look at the life of Brian Epstein, the visionary manager who steered The Beatles to global superstardom. The film shines brightest in its sensitive portrayal of Epstein's personal journey, navigating his identity and the pressures of his extraordinary role with a nuanced and empathetic touch. The narrative carefully unfolds his dedication, his vulnerabilities, and the profound impact he had on the burgeoning Merseybeat scene. The film also touches on his own inner conflict with his sexuality.

Adding to the film's charm are the performances embodying the iconic figures of the era. The mannerisms and spirit of The Beatles, while perhaps not perfect impersonations, are generally captured well, offering a nostalgic glimpse into their early days. Similarly, the portrayal of Cilla Black feels authentic, bringing her vibrant personality to the screen effectively.

However, while "Midas Man" succeeds in many areas, it's somewhat disappointing that the soundtrack largely omits the truly iconic, chart-topping hits of The Beatles. Presumably, there was some sort of copyright issue going on.

Despite this omission, "Midas Man" remains a worthwhile watch. It provides a thoughtful and engaging exploration of Brian Epstein's pivotal role in music history, highlighting his sensitivity and the weight of his responsibilities. The commendable performances and the film's overall positive tone make it a respectful and ultimately moving tribute to a man who truly possessed a 'Midas touch' for talent.

I've been a Brian Epstein fan for as long as I've been a Beatles fan so I was in part dreading this movie as much as I was looking forward to it . What I would say to anyone who is thinking of watching is give it a go. Not a perfect film by a long chalk, but they've managed to capture authenticity in abundance. JFL absolutely nails the lead role, he's genuinely a star in the making but the supporting roles seem really well thought out too. I had heard ( being a super fan) that there was trouble with the production, you'd never guess. I'd have liked a five hour tv series with the same production values as this film, that would have done Brian justice but as a film and a one off it's more than decent.

I know people who were there and I absolutely can't wait for them to see this on the big screen hopefully, although as I understand atm in the UK it's going straight to Amazon? That's a shame, I was lucky enough to see it on the big screen and maybe I'm biased but it's one of the most enjoyable films I've seen in months. The one thing no one can disagree with is Brian was loved and he should ge remembered as such. A bonafide legend. Go and watch this, download it or buy the dvd ( are they still a thing?) .

I've been waiting for this for years. I still remember back in 1967, in the week of my 12th birthday, reading that Brian Epstein had been found dead and knowing it was a big deal. A few years ago I kept receiving emails from the producers of Midas Man seeking investors and although I was a huge Beatles fan, I didn't/couldn't oblige. And now, finally, the film is out and... what an huge disappointment. Whoever had the idea of having Epstein (an adequate, if uninspiring Jacob Fortune-Lloyd) constantly talking to the camera, as if filling in the bits they couldn't film, did the project a great disservice. It just detracted from whatever drama the rest of the film managed to generate - and there wasn't much of that. In the end it just seemed to wander through the various dramas of his life, without ever making the viewer feel anything. Not even having Eddie Marsden and Emily Lloyd as his parents could save this. As letdowns go, this is right up there.

Really enjoyed this telling of Brian Epstein's life and his pivotal role in The Beatles becoming huge.

Jacob Fortune-Lloyd is an engaging Brian. His belief in the boys and need for the world to see them really comes across.

Aside from learning about Epstein's influence, the film does a great job of showing his struggle between public image and private self without being too 'sensational' which can be annoying with biopics.

Some might see that as playing it a bit safe but I thought it struck a nice balance.

The film is stylish, the casting of The Beatles works well (Lennon is short though!) and the fourth wall breaking moments are fun.

Shame there wasn't any really recognisable songs, probably hard to get, but the early Beatles songs they used fit well.

It was a good story about an amazing young man who promoted the biggest musical phenomenon in history. In a few short years he created a worldwide sensation, built a label, signed a dozen acts that all became stars, and then tragically died young of a drug OD.

The story had some drama, and some emotion, the acting was very good though a few of them were a bit wooden. The lack of licensing to use actual Beatles songs definitely hurt, its hard to associate the boys without the music even being played much less performed at least once. The focus on his personal torments had some depth and characterization, but it became tedious without any relationship high points or any amazing moments to offset the constant pressure and workaholic tendency and never getting his own life while he built a musical world around his clients. Similar to the Amy Winehouse movie, it was more tragic tale than success story, and it left you feeling sad for him rather than celebrating him.

It was very good to watch once. Dont know that Id sit through it a 2nd go.

Overall a superb cast made this movie a very enjoyable watch only let down by the Lennon character who was way too short in statcher and had no on-screen charisma. However, the McCartney and Harrison were particularly good despite Harrison being a bit too tall. Cilla was also very endearing and conveyed the real affection that she and Brian enjoyed.

The segments where Brian speaks directly to the camera worked really well and for me were the best bits especially as the Beatles were only either suggested or were only heard as audio. For me, the whole film should have been done this way thus eliminating and hiding away Lennon.

I was apprehensive about this film as a huge Beatles fan & I personally know people who worked with Brian Epstein.

But I thought the performance by Jacob was excellent. He captured every little nuance of Brian's character.

Eddie was great as Brian's dad Harry.

Emily as Malka was a bit weaker.

The film was also well written & it captured Brians life well.

Though I think his death & body discovery could have been played out on screen, it would have been more personal.

The costumes were perfect and captured Brian's fastidious fashion sense.

Only disappointment was John Lennon was way too short.

My Review - Midas Man In Cinemas now My Rating 8/10

It's been a little while since any movie showing at the Cinema has caught my attention enough to make the effort of going to see it on the big screen.

Midas Man certainly was worth the effort I found it entertaining surprisingly moving and so well written, directed and acted .

This story depicts the early meteoric rise to fame of the Beatles known as the Fab Four from Liverpool with an emphasis on Brian Epstein their first Manager who saw something in this now legendary group of musicians that no one else could see .

If Brian Epstein had not managed ,groomed and promoted The Beatles they probably would have gone unnoticed .

Epstein not only introduced the Beatles to the world as well as Cilla Black , Gerry and the Pacemakers and many more performers. Epstein also helped put their U. K. hometown Liverpool on the World map by introducing The Mersey Sound which heralded in the 1960's that influenced changing musical tastes and fashion forever.

Unlike Elvis Presley's manipulative manager Colonel Tom Parker Brian Epstein kept his promise to John Lennon when he said if I manage this group you won't find anyone else in the business who would devote more time or effort to make the Beatles the most famous band on earth.

Brian Epstein is played so well by Jacob Fortune -Lloyd a fine actor who manages to capture the emotional turmoil that plagued Brian Epstein who had to hide his homosexuality at a time when gay men lived daily with the prospect of imprisonment and blackmail .

His public professional persona was of a successful eventually very wealthy promoter and entrepreneur but his private life was at times chaotic and dangerous eventually leading to his premature death at only 32 years old .

This is a very interesting movie I enjoyed the theatrical technique of breaking the fourth wall when Epstein occasionally talks to the audience it's very effective in this instance.

I also enjoyed the performances of the supporting cast that includes Emily Watson who plays Malka Epstein ,Brian's protective and supportive mother and Eddie Marsan as Harry the father that Brian Epstein longed for approval and acceptance but never really received.

Jonah Lees is very impressive as John Lennon he has some great scenes as does Darci Shaw as Cilla Black and Blake Richardson as Paul McCartney.

Congratulations to Director Joe Stephenson and writers Brigit Grant and Jonathan Wakeham on creating such an interesting and entertaining movie .

The timeframe of this movie takes place over only six years from Brian Epstein first discovering the Beatles in 1961 minus Ringo in the famous Cavern Club in Liverpool to the groundbreaking Beatles " Our World " first live Satellite performance on June 25th 1967 which reached over 400 million viewers across 25 countries.

Six months later Brian Epstein tragically was found dead but he certainly did keep his promise and loyalty to The Beatles who by then had eclipsed Elvis Presley's fame and their legacy stands today with a song book of hits that have been performed by every great singing artist from a time when music and lyrics came first and live performers performed without gimmicks cgi or lip syncing.

I'll be interested in seeing the upcoming Sam Mendes Beatles biopic which apparently has the rights to use more of the Beatles music than Midas Man was able to feature but as the emphasis is on Brian Epstein the man it doesn't matter.

There isn't much depth to this film. We all love the story of Brian Epstein discovering The Beatles and seeing something no one else does. The following year he takes them to the top of the UK Charts, and in 1964 they conquer America, and so the story goes.

There is nothing this movie brings that a half-hour on Google won't let you find, and that is basically what the writer did - a Google search chronology of events and made a film like that.

I felt no connection to anyone in this film. I know, and read a lot about John, Paul and George, I know more of Brian than I do Ringo.

One element they got wildly wrong, it was not George Martin who suggested Pete Best be replaced by Ringo Starr. It was the boys themselves, with John Lennon as the main engineer of that (it was the right decision.)

This was reportedly a biopic of Epstein, and how he brought many Liverpudlian bands to the fore, including Gerry + The Pacemakers, Cilla Black and Billy J Kramer and the Dakotas (whose fame centred around the Lennon-McCartney songs The Beatles didn't want.)

There is no emotion. There is no vision of Epstein. It seemed to skim through everything, and exactly as I said, a Google search on film.

This film poorly represented a man who did wondrous things (Like making Cilla Black a star.)

The ending was pathetic and a great insult to the man in question. Poorly done with no insight, no poetic licence even, nothing. It was falling short on almost every level.

If you are a music fan and want to put something on you don't have to invest too heavily in you will like it. Don't expect to have understood The Beatles or Brian Epstein better after watching because you won't.

There were two good elements. Jacob Fortune-Lloyd gave a decent performance as Epstein (Even if he had nothing to work on... he must've been crying out for something to get his teeth into) and Darci Shaw, who played Cilla Black, was the best of the entire film. A few people have played Cilla, but none have got the inflexion of her accent just right, Darci Shaw did (particularly noticeable in the scene with Epstein on the stairwell at 'A bit of a do')

I have been generous and given four stars. My reasons are:

1 star for Jacob Fortune-Lloyd for his portrayal.

2 stars for Darci Shaw for her portrayal and accent accuracy

And 1 star for the movie itself (in essence it is a one-star movie)

A huge opportunity was missed, I don't think the writers were fans just someone looking for a pay day.

This is one of the best films I've seen in 2024. The story of Epstein and The Beatles is brought to life with humour, drama and passion throughout. The film captures society as it was in the 1960s and the real sense of Epstein having found something truly special in the 4 Beatles.

It is uplifting in places, as well as a tragic story in the way it covers Epstein's colourful and often troubled personal life. Jacob Lloyd-Fortune plays the role impeccably.

The film-track also includes many of The Beatles' hits from the era.

Overall it is a must-see film whether you are a Beatles fan or not. Personally I am pretty indifferent to The Beatles, being born in the 1980s, but I still thought it was a truly terrific film and would highly recommend. 10/10.

A fantasy biopic of the erstwhile Beatles (remember them?) and others manager who brought US-style pop management to Britain, taking advantage of the TV revolutuion.. Merchandising wasn't the least of it.

Basically an extension of the 'Stars In Their Eyes' formula, where random people are dressed and made up to resemble other more famous people. (Edit) The John Lennon actor is noticeably small, so the resemblance doesn't work at full length. He looks like Ringo's kid or something. Anyway, instead of performing songs, they perform re-imagined key moments in those peoples' lives. Complete with vintage cars, defunct cigarette brands, etc etc. But no pounds, shillings and pence, sadly.

Looks cheap: there's too much fourth-wall breaking, and if you're going to make a thing of Brian's gayness, don't do it half-heartedly like this. An imaginary composite character, ffs.

Ringo's reaction: 'Gear'

George's reaction: 'This too will pass'

Paul's reaction: 'Actually, it was all my idea'

John's reaction: 'Shoot me now'.

Having not known much about Brian Epstein before watching the film, I found the story of Midas Man fascinating. Seeing the portrayal of the early days of The Beatles and the influence Brian had on their success and the wider Merseybeat scene was an enjoyable way to spend a few hours (I also only knew Cilla Black from Blind Date until now).

Jacob Fortune-Lloyd's performance is excellent, he anchors a charming film. I would have enjoyed hearing some of the big Beatles songs in the Cavern Club and Abbey Road scenes but from a quick Spotify after the screening I found the songs used were in early Beatles records which fit the time portrayed.

This was a thin, shallow and pretty poor movie. The main character put in a perfectly decent performance, but the script was all over the place and totally lacking in historical accuracy, and some of the casting was bizarre (John Lennon six inches shorter than Ringo!) But worst of all, how do you make a bio movie about the manager of The Beatles when you don't have the rights to use any Beatles music? Just bizarre. The project should have been dropped the second they realised they couldn't include the main ingredient. There will probably be a good movie made about Brian Epstein one day, but this is not it.

I am so confused after watching this movie, that it scored somewhat low on IMDB... This is a great movie, about (arguably) the greatest music band that ever existed; what are people not liking? The directing/editing is great, the acting is great, Brian is pictured as a really loveable person... What else do people need to be impressed? I'll admit that the movie itself is not as good (in my opinion) as the Elvis biopic, but it still deserves WAY more than 6.4. Fun bet also: I'd be ready to bet that the composer was inspired by John Williams, the composer from "Catch Me If You Can" (and many other great movies). The melodies are similar.

The only negative aspect of this movie that I can think of is: there IS a bit of filler in it. Nothing catastrophic; it's not a 180 minutes movie that should have been 90, but I just feel like there COULD have been better content; we're talking about The Beatles after all...

I knew very little about Brian Epstein when I heard about this film. I just knew that he was the man who discovered that little known band, The Beatles! It was beautifully shot in a 1960's Liverpool backdrop and it is a really sensitive and emotional portrayal of a highly successful but tortured soul. Jacob Fortune-Lloyd played the part superbly and is very easy on the eye. Emily Watson and Eddie Marsan were excellent in the roles of his slightly over-protective parents. The story has its highs and lows and the relationship that develops between Brian and the Beatles throughout the film is delightful. A must see movie in my opinion.

Midas Man is such an interesting film, I loved learning about the pivotal role of Brian Epstein, which I didn't know much about. It was fascinating to see these moments in history through his character's journey and role. I also loved the charisma of the Beatles characters, and the dynamic between them and Brian. The whole cast were fantastic actors, especially Jacob Fortune-Lloyd who played Brian Epstein. I would highly recommend this film, particularly to anyone who likes British film, or who is interested in the 1960s, who likes the Beatles music, or who enjoys biopics about interesting people!