Better Man

Everyone loves a good biopic, especially one about their favorite singer, complete with all their most-loved songs. In recent years, we’ve seen some fantastic ones: Elvis, Rocketman, Get On Up, and this year’s A Complete Unknown—all leaving audiences rushing to Spotify to listen to the featured music on repeat. Hoping to join that esteemed list is the new Robbie Williams biopic, Better Man, directed by Michael Gracey. Gracey’s previous film, The Greatest Showman, had audiences singing in the aisles, but will Better Man have the same effect, or will most people find themselves asking, “Who is Robbie Williams?”

For those unfamiliar, it seems Robbie Williams isn’t as widely recognized in the United States. Unfortunately, the unique casting choice for this biopic likely won’t change that. Originally a member of the pop group Take That, Williams left the band in 1996 and went on to achieve major success in the UK. His departure stemmed from conflicts with the group’s behavior rules, fueled by his struggles with alcohol and cocaine. After leaving and gaining his freedom—both creatively and contractually—Williams’ drug use only worsened, nearly resulting in an overdose.

Despite these personal struggles, Williams’ career soared, as did his love life. He dated two members of the Spice Girls and had a serious relationship with Nicole Appleton (played by Raechelle Banno), to whom he became engaged.

What makes Better Man stand out in the crowded field of music biopics is its bold and unconventional decision to portray Williams as a CGI chimpanzee. This creative choice reflects Williams’ own perception of himself and his state of mind during his career. Written by Simon Gleeson, Oliver Cole, and Michael Gracey, Better Man leans heavily on this unique hook to differentiate itself.

The CGI chimpanzee, created by Weta (the studio behind Gollum and Caesar in the Planet of the Apes films), looks incredibly realistic and adds an unexpected layer of depth to the character. This choice allows Williams’ story to pop off the screen in a way that feels fresh and compelling. While not everything works seamlessly—narrative imbalances do hold the film back—it remains a captivating movie with strong artistic moments.

Better Man is not your classic musician biopic, nor is it the definitive story of Robbie Williams. Instead, it’s an experiment in both visual and narrative storytelling. If there’s one thing Michael Gracey proves here, it’s that he knows how to craft an impressive and visually stunning film that’s worth your time and money.

The story flows well overall, with a few musical numbers delivering genuine “wow” moments. Even if you’re unfamiliar with Williams’ songs, you’ll likely find yourself tapping along to the music. The film takes a story we’ve seen many times before and tells it in a uniquely inventive way, making Better Man a standout entry in the genre.

Could it have been a little shorter? Sure. But even with its length, the “chimp gimmick” never feels overplayed, and the film ultimately comes together beautifully. Before watching Better Man, I was only vaguely familiar with Robbie Williams—mostly hearing his name on MTV—but while I wouldn’t call myself a fan of his music, I am comfortable in saying that I’m a fan of this movie.