The film Bohemian Rhapsody, centered around the legendary rock band Queen and its iconic frontman Freddie Mercury, has captivated audiences since its release. Starring Rami Malek, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Mercury, the film chronicles the compelling rise of the band from its inception to its historical performance at Live Aid.
Premiering on October 24, 2018, Bohemian Rhapsody showcases the dynamic evolution of Queen, detailing events from 1970 to 1985. It presents Mercury's tumultuous personal life alongside his musical brilliance, as well as the band's path to becoming one of rock's greatest acts. With its unique blend of storytelling and musical recreation, the film serves as both tribute and drama.
Acclaimed for its commercial success, Bohemian Rhapsody grossed over $910 million globally, making it the highest-grossing music biopic of all time. It wasn't merely the box office numbers; the film struck a chord within the hearts of many fans. Beyond its commercial triumph, it bagged four Academy Awards, including Oscars for Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and, most significantly, Best Actor for Malek's riveting performance. This film uniquely allows audiences to experience the electrifying story of Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor, Brian May, and John Deacon, portrayed respectively by Ben Hardy and Joseph Mazzello.
According to Brian May, “The film tapped deep emotions and brought the band’s music back to life.” Critics celebrated Malek's remarkable portrayal as he encapsulated Mercury's essence with authenticity, earning praise from numerous entertainment platforms, including Rolling Stone, which opined, “Rami captures the essence of Freddie with incredible authenticity.”
Despite the accolades, Bohemian Rhapsody has faced scrutiny over its historical accuracy. Fans have noted certain dramatizations and creative liberties taken with the timeline of events, particularly concerning Mercury's AIDS diagnosis. Critics argue some sequences strayed from fact for the sake of narrative flow. Nonetheless, these shortcomings did not dampen the overall enthusiasm for the film. Audiences still flocked to theaters, enthralled by not just the story but the music—an eternal element of Queen’s legacy.
The royal trip down memory lane revealed the band’s enduring influence, which began with classics like “We Will Rock You,” “Somebody to Love,” and “Don’t Stop Me Now.” Their 1985 Live Aid performance—a high point for the film and history itself—continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest live performances ever delivered.
Rami Malek’s career skyrocketed post-release, leading to roles beyond his breakthrough. Following Bohemian Rhapsody, he played the villainous Lyutsifer Safin alongside Daniel Craig's James Bond in No Time to Die and appeared in Amsterdam alongside heavyweight actors like Christian Bale and Margot Robbie. Currently, he is set to star as a CIA cryptographer seeking revenge in the upcoming thriller The Amateur, due for release on April 11, 2025.
“For me, playing Freddie Mercury was the greatest honor,” Malek shared during various interviews, reflecting his deep connection to the character and the impact of Mercury's life on music and culture. This connection is felt across generations—combining nostalgia and newfound recognition for Queen—proving their music is timeless.
With the film now arriving for streaming audiences on Hulu starting March 1, there's no excuse to miss experiencing this remarkable portrayal and Queen's rich legacy. Whether you are revisiting familiar songs or discovering them for the first time, Bohemian Rhapsody is undeniably set to enchant viewers all over again.
Regardless of its mixed reviews on historical details, the film has succeeded, leaving behind a motivated audience and reviving appreciation for the music of Queen. The marriage of powerful performances with unforgettable melodies ensures both the film and the band will be cherished for years to come.