Michael Gracey directs Better Man, a biographical film about British pop star Robbie Williams – with a twist: Williams is depicted as a CGI monkey, voiced by the singer himself, telling the story of his life through his own perspective.
Better Man had its world premiere at the 51st Telluride Film Festival and went on to screen at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, the 47th Mill Valley Film Festival, the 60th Chicago Film Festival, the 2024 Santa Fe International Film Festival, and the 11th Miami Film Festival.
Alongside Williams, the film stars Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Alison Steadman, Damon Herriman, Raechelle Banno, Anthony Hayes, Kate Mulvany, Frazer Hadfield, Jake Simmance, Liam Head, Jesse Hyde, and Jesse Vollenweider.
Release Date
Directed by Michael Gracey, Better Man opens In select US theatres on December 25, 2024, before expanding nationwide on January 17, 2025.
Synopsis
Better Man is based on the true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Under the visionary direction of Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), the film is uniquely told from Williams’ perspective, capturing his signature wit and indomitable spirit. It follows Robbie’s journey from childhood, to being the youngest member of chart-topping boyband Take That, through to his unparalleled achievements as a record-braking solo artist – all the while confronting the challenges that stratospheric fame and success can bring.
Reviews
David Ehrlich in an IndieWire review gave the film a score of B+, writing, “It’s hard to overstate how dramatically Williams’ hooligan persona — and the movie’s fantastical illustration thereof — transform otherwise rote material into something fresh.”
Kristy Puchko in a Mashable review praised the film, writing, “Rich in vibrant emotion, body-rocking musical numbers, daring performances, and a scorching tenderness, Better Man more than rocks. It rules.”
Official Trailer
Watch the official trailer for Better Man.
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