Released on December 26, 2024, Better Man offers a refreshing break from the usual holiday season lineup of lighthearted comedies and family films. This biographical musical, centered on one of the most iconic pop stars of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, brings an unconventional storytelling approach that sets it apart. However, despite its ambition, the film leaves room for debate on whether it fully delivers.
Trailer “Better Man: The Story of Robbie Williams” (2024)
A Unique Concept, A Divisive Execution
At its core, Better Man is not your typical music biopic. Early on, Robbie Williams—played as a literal chimpanzee amidst an otherwise human world—bursts into Rock DJ alongside 500 dancers on London’s Regent Street. This electrifying sequence, overflowing with energy and cinematic brilliance, stands as one of the film’s high points. For a brief moment, it feels like Better Man is on track to become one of the most unforgettable musical films of the decade.
But that moment is fleeting.
While the film lasts 135 minutes, it rarely maintains the same level of impact. The choice to depict Williams as a chimp—an idea born from the singer’s own words, “I felt like a trained monkey”—runs through the entire narrative, from his childhood struggles to his rise in Take That, his tumultuous solo career, and his battles with addiction. The metaphor is striking but also heavy-handed, reducing much of Williams’ story to a singular emotional thread: self-loathing and regret.
An Exercise in Self-Punishment?
More than just a biopic, Better Man becomes a prolonged confessional. Williams is portrayed as reckless, arrogant, and self-destructive—losing friends, sabotaging performances, and indulging in every vice imaginable. The film, made with his close involvement, feels like an extended public reckoning with his past, blending self-reflection with self-pity.
The chimpanzee imagery, initially an intriguing artistic choice, eventually becomes a means to deflect responsibility. Rather than simply showing his struggles with fame and mental health, the film hammers home the idea that Williams’ actions were inevitable, shaped by childhood trauma and deep insecurity. While these themes are crucial, their overemphasis diminishes their impact, making it hard not to feel desensitized by the end.
Where Better Man Succeeds
Despite its missteps, Better Man has undeniable strengths. The musical performances are spectacular, reminding audiences of Williams’ undeniable talent. His greatest hits serve as the film’s backbone, with songs like Angels, Feel, and Let Me Entertain You reigniting appreciation for his artistry.
In typical biopic fashion, redemption comes in the form of rehab and group therapy. Williams, in a moment of self-awareness, declares, “I never evolved.” But even as he confronts his demons, he remains a chimpanzee—suggesting that true transformation is still a work in progress.
Final Thoughts
Better Man is a bold and unconventional take on the music biopic, blending surrealism with emotional rawness. While it excels in its musical sequences and brings fresh creative choices to the genre, it often stumbles under the weight of its own metaphor. Robbie Williams is undeniably one of pop’s most fascinating figures, and while this film captures his highs and lows, it also struggles to balance introspection with storytelling.
If you’re a fan of Williams, the music alone makes it worth watching. But if you’re looking for a deeply nuanced portrait, you might find yourself wishing for a little less spectacle and a little more soul.
