Robbie Williams' new biopic, Better Man, has received enthusiastic praise from critics, earning it strong ratings on Rotten Tomatoes just before its anticipated release on December 26, 2023, across UK cinemas. The film's imaginative premise features Williams portrayed by none other than a CGI chimpanzee, performed by Jonno Davies, with the singer himself providing the narration. This unconventional artistic choice has stirred quite the conversation, marking the film as one of the most unorthodox entries in the music biopic genre.
According to Digital Spy's Ian Sandwell, the film is described as "a fantastic (and fantastical) spin on a classic rise-and-fall biopic where the fact its subject is portrayed as a CGI chimpanzee – and everybody else is human – is one of the least remarkable aspects of it." This indicates the film's ability to transcend its outlandish premise and deliver something genuinely engaging.
Critics across the board have lauded Better Man for its refreshing honesty, especially at a time when the market is saturated with formulaic music biopics, often replete with clichéd narratives. Commenting on the unique storytelling, another critic remarked, "Turns out, it’s a little easier to cope with the hard facts of it all when they’re being relayed by an ape in a suit." The whimsical yet poignant portrayal captures the complexity of Williams' story without slipping too deeply back onto overplayed tropes.
Michael Gracey, the film's director, manages to balance the absurdity with depth, as critics note. One reviewer stated, "Walking a dizzying line between the stupid and the profane, this exuberant, positively unique biopic is as hard to resist as it is to believe it got made." This playful yet serious approach sets Better Man apart from its predecessors, presenting a narrative that's as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.
While many biopics tend to shy away from raw authenticity, Better Man stands out with its genuine representation of the highs and lows experienced by Williams. Yet, not all feedback has been entirely positive. One observer pointed out, "Despite a couple of cute song-and-dance numbers, its conceit can’t cover for the deficiencies of a script," highlighting areas where improvements could be made, particularly with the supporting narrative structure.
The film’s eccentric approach has garnered significant attention, almost ensuring it captures the interest of moviegoers eager for something different. Many experts have commented on how it marks one of the biggest cinematic surprises of the year. Another reviewer cheekily added, "Give the man points for honesty, but maybe deduct for his soft spot for schmaltz... the primate-powered premise of Better Man injects a welcome dose of banana barminess.”
With its opening slated for Boxing Day, anticipation continues to build around how audiences will respond to such imaginative storytelling. Reviews are hinting at the potential for Better Man to change perceptions of music biopics altogether, with its combination of heartfelt narrative, humor, and the unexpected presence of a CGI chimpanzee all lending to its appeal.
Fans of Robbie Williams and lovers of unique cinema alike will not want to miss this film, which promises to offer both laughs and poignant moments. Better Man is set to redefine the genre as it makes its introduction to UK cinemas, where viewers can expect to be challenged and entertained simultaneously, all through the eyes of Williams and his unlikely animated counterpart.
