At the heart of any biopic lies the audience’s connection to its subject. A film’s success often hinges on how it portrays someone viewers either revere or know little about. I’ve been burned by disappointing depictions of beloved figures and pleasantly surprised by movies that delve deeply into lives I had barely explored. Better Man falls mostly into the latter category, telling the story of Robbie Williams—a member of Take That—charting his rise, struggles, and personal journey. As someone unfamiliar with Williams beyond name recognition, the film offered a compelling introduction, even if it occasionally stumbles over well-worn biopic tropes.
One of the most striking (and audacious) choices in Better Man is the decision to depict Williams as a CGI chimpanzee. It’s a move that could easily have felt absurd or gimmicky, but in Michael Gracey’s hands, it becomes an oddly effective metaphor for the dehumanizing nature of fame. Gracey, whose The Greatest Showman introduced audiences to his vibrant, big-hearted style, leans fully into his penchant for blending spectacle with sentimentality. While the movie doesn’t entirely transcend the genre’s usual pitfalls, its sheer earnestness and unabashed excitement about its subject—both Williams’ music and the surreal lens through which his life is depicted—make it hard to dismiss outright.
Gracey’s approach is ambitious, perhaps to a fault, but there’s something undeniably intriguing about the film’s commitment to exploring the illusions of stardom through such an unconventional lens. While not every element of Better Man lands, the film’s sincerity and bold creative swings ensure it remains engaging, even when it falters.
Unlike many musical biopics, which spiral into grim tales of self-destruction and cautionary lessons, Better Man aims for something refreshingly different. Yes, Robbie Williams (or his simian stand-in) makes poor decisions, but the narrative isn’t consumed by his downfall. Instead, the film centers on the systems of support Williams built around him—friends, collaborators, and his own resilience. These buffers mitigate the damage of fame’s darker side, allowing the story to explore the possibility of joy and fulfillment in a high-profile life.
By sidestepping the well-trod “rise and fall” formula, Better Man becomes something more optimistic: a tale of survival, success, and eventual contentment. It doesn’t shy away from the challenges of fame but argues that happiness and satisfaction are possible—even for those under the glaring spotlight of the public eye. It’s a distinct and awkwardly charming spin on the genre, one that revels in its uniqueness while offering a perspective many biopics lack.
Robbie Williams may not appear physically on-screen in Better Man, but his voice performance as the CGI chimpanzee fills the role with enough personality to keep the audience engaged. While his dramatic voice acting occasionally feels unpolished, his natural charisma and dynamic singing more than compensate for these minor shortcomings. The film’s musical moments stand out far above those of a typical biopic, thanks to Williams’ undeniable vocal talent, which injects the performances with energy and authenticity. The soundtrack becomes a highlight, lifting the film even during its weaker narrative moments.
That said, the story itself follows a fairly standard musical biopic trajectory. It hits the familiar beats—discovery, rise to fame, struggles with personal demons, and eventual redemption—with a predictability that, while not outright detracting from the film, certainly doesn’t break new ground. For those unfamiliar with Robbie Williams or Take That (as I was), the narrative’s adherence to convention might be easier to overlook. Without a deep attachment to the real-life details, Better Man feels more like a contained, standalone story, allowing its surreal elements and earnestness to shine.
While the movie doesn’t entirely escape the limitations of its genre, its quirks—most notably the choice to use a CGI chimpanzee and Williams’ undeniable musical presence—help distinguish it from the standard fare. It’s a biopic that’s easier to embrace if you take it on its own unconventional terms.
Better Man may not leave a lasting impression as 2025 progresses, but it stands out as a commendable start to the year and rises above the expectations of a typical January release. Fans of Robbie Williams and Take That are likely to find more resonance in the finer details than I did, with its thoughtful incorporation of his music and history.
What I admire most is Michael Gracey’s ability to infuse the film with novelty through bold creative choices without letting them feel like mere gimmicks. It’s a delicate balancing act, and he succeeds in making these unconventional decisions serve the story rather than detract from it.
Better Man is an intriguing experiment. While it doesn’t fully escape the trappings of the biopic formula, it brings enough earnestness, creativity, and unique flair to warrant attention. It may not linger in my thoughts for long, but its ambition and playful approach give it some notable merit.
Score: 6/10
Better Man (2025)
- Cast: Robbie Williams, Jonno Davies, Raechelle Banno, Damon Herriman, Steve Pemberton, Alison Steadman, Kate Mulvany
- Director: Michael Gracey
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Musical
- Runtime: 135 minutes
- Rated: R
- Release Date: January 10, 2025
More Movies Directed by Michael Gracey
Michael Gracey has directed the following movies:
- The Greatest Showman (2017)
- Better Man (2025)
