British pop sensation Robbie Williams brings his life story to the big screen like never before, starring as himself—but as a CGI chimpanzee—in the biopic Better Man. Directed by Michael Gracey, known for his work on The Greatest Showman, the film chronicles Williams’ tumultuous path from obscurity to global fame, showcasing the highs and lows of his career.
Set to premiere on December 25, 2024, with global releases following on January 17, 2025, Better Man recently made waves with its debut at the Telluride Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2024. The unique choice to cast Williams as a CGI chimpanzee ignited conversations about the film’s creative direction, with Williams himself noting, "What’s with the monkey?" Clearly embracing the unconventional, the pop star explained the reasoning behind this artistic decision: "I just love eccentricity. I love the surreal... It made complete sense to me."
Better Man cleverly sidesteps the traditional biopic format by reimagining the star’s narrative through the lens of humor and surrealism. Featuring 134 minutes of runtime and rated R for various mature themes including drug use and sexual content, the film dives deep, reflecting the struggles of its lead character, both on and off stage. With Williams providing his own voice, the emotional depth of the story draws critically positive feedback, manifesting particularly through the innovative visual work accomplished by New Zealand’s Weta FX.
Critics have hailed Better Man for its bold storytelling choices. One review praised the project for allowing audiences to connect with Williams’ story without the distraction of requiring the lead to closely resemble the real-life pop star. Instead of questioning whether the performer looks like Williams, viewers can engage with the emotion and narrative of his life embodied, rather surprisingly, by the animated chimp.
Scottish actor Jonno Davies brings the CGI chimpanzee to life through motion-capture performance. His portrayal, coupled with Williams’ voice, has garnered acclaim for being innovative. The narrative traces Williams' childhood years, including his strained relationship with his father, performed by Steve Pemberton, leading to the singer's quest for approval—a recurring theme throughout his adulthood.
From joining the successful boy band Take That at just 15 to facing the struggles of fame, including substance abuse and public scrutiny, Better Man presents Williams's life as one of immense highs and dramatic lows. Celebrated for his musical contributions, Williams’ story is one of resilience, which the film captures with flair and creativity.
Fans can expect musical numbers imbued with theatricality, with each performance intricately selected to develop the narrative rather than simply serve as fan service. The film's most significant musical sequence features Williams singing "Rock DJ," with spontaneous choreography celebrated as highly imaginative, illustrating the celebratory yet chaotic aspects of Williams’s career.
Despite the momentum building for the film, some reviews have struck discordant notes. A particularly scathing critique referred to the film as, "self-indulgent and narcissistic," likening it to other musical biopics. The sentiment suggests the film may not resonate well with critics tired of the quintessential rise-and-fall storytelling format.
Nevertheless, many viewers describe Better Man as enlightening and fresh, transcending typical biopic fare. Currently holding an 89% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has not only captured the hearts of many but also achieved dominant recognition at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards (AACTA), sweeping 16 awards—a landmark achievement. Critics have pointed out its effectiveness in balancing humor with the grittiness of Williams’ life challenges.
Critically acclaimed director Gracey has managed to fuse poignancy with exuberance, painting Williams' experience through both light and shadow. The film culminates with Williams confronting his fears, portrayed through heart-wrenching sequences where he reconciles with his tumultuous past. The flawed portrayal of fame reflects the emotional rollercoaster lived by the legendary performer and the toll it takes on his personal relationships.
The unusual choice to feature Williams as CG animated character could have faltered; instead, it has evoked curiosity and amusement, transcending conventional storytelling. This artistic take offers viewers both empathy for Williams' experiences and insights about the nature of fame.
Better Man emerges not just as yet another music biopic but as a vibrant representation filled with heart and authenticity. Whether audiences are lifelong fans or newcomers, they will find it hard to forget the riveting portrayal of one of pop music's most compelling figures.
