Better Man (2024)

We’re getting lots of great music biopics these days like Rocketman, Elvis, and Bohemian Rhapsody – but Robbie Williams’ new biopic Better Man changes up the formula and adds a much more human touch…by portraying Williams as a giant chimpanzee. While it might seem like a gimmick, the film is actually incredibly deep and touching, giving audiences a new type of biopic that feels like it’s really being told by Williams himself, instead of a filmmaker who is looking at his life from the outside.

Bolstered by some truly great musical scenes, Better Man is a foul-mouthed but sweet-hearted take on the standard biopic that stands above much of the genre. The life story of Robbie Williams is brought to life with impressive CGI, which reimagines the main character as a CG monkey in a suit. The effect is initially surprising, but quickly settles into the rest of the confident take on the genre. A truly impressive film that is elevated by Michael Gracey's direction, Better Man is a shockingly fun film even for audiences who skip most biopics.

Better Man is perfect for fans of musical biopics seeking one that thinks outside the box. The movie avoids the pitfalls of trying to capture a larger-than-life figure by choosing to portray its lead, Robbie Williams, not as the world sees him but as he perceives himself. Viewers shouldn't be put off by the decision to portray Williams as an anthropomorphic chimpanzee; it pays off. Its experimental premise elevates Better Man and makes it feel more honest and intimate than the typical biopic. With biopic elements and innovation, Better Man will appeal to biopic fans and potentially even biopic critics.