Robbie Williams’ monkey musical biopic Better Man is as bananas as I prayed-Tori Brazier-Entertainment – Metro

Is Robbie Williams biopic Better Man monkeying around portraying the star as a chimpanzee? (Picture: Paramount Pictures)

Building a musical biopic around Robbie Williams where he’s portrayed as a GCI monkey and everyone else is a normal human is an intriguingly bizarre concept – but Better Man is exactly as cheeky, bolshy and ballsy as I hoped.

Obviously for such a risky move, the film pretty much lives and dies by this central conceit which somehow livens up the whole movie yet quickly becomes something you don’t question at all.

One of the most refreshing takes on a biopic in yonks, Better Man is an inspired, unashamedly British musical with its colourful language (there’s no scarcity of F-bombs) and nostalgia-packed references.

Williams has always yearned to break America, and makes no secret that this is his most recent attempt. There are many moments that could get lost in translation but it’s satisfying for a home audience that this is a story and personality that we easily recognise – no quirks have been sacrificed at the altar of international appeal.

The chart-topper has also never sounded better, with versions of all his biggest hits specially re-recorded and re-arranged for the soundtrack, where they’re used to punctuate the highs and lows of his journey to fame alongside Take That and as a solo artist. You’ll be itching to blast out your favourites at home once the credits roll (and googling to check that yes, the group’s looks really did include that much Lycra, mesh and bleach).

Better Man’s greatest strength is how unflinching Williams has allowed the writing to be. There’s plenty we already know, such as his struggles with addiction and depression and his sometimes-fraught relationships with family, friends and girlfriends. But somehow it resonates even more when played out on the big screen by a walking, talking, singing chimpanzee and narrated by Williams’ own instantly recognisable tones.

The musical’s narrative is largely powered by the singer’s complicated relationship with his dad Pete (Steve Pemberton) (Picture: Paramount Pictures)

The rejection from his father Pete Conway (Steve Pemberton) which powers the narrative of Better Man is sometimes difficult to watch as he chooses to pursue his own career in entertainment and struggles to acknowledge the talent of his son. Robbie is also seen clashing with the likes of Take That manager Nigel Martin Smith (Damon Herriman), former bandmate Gary Barlow (Jake Simmance) and even Liam Gallagher (Leo Harvey-Elledge), all instances where the singer’s ability to have a laugh at himself – including one or two close-to-the-bone legal jokes – make him all the more endearing.

Robbie is physically portrayed, and mostly voiced, by Jonno Davies (Picture: Paramount/Everett/Rex/Shutterstock)

Jonno Davies does remarkable work as the ‘cheeky monkey’ version of Williams in Better Man, providing a thrilling physical performance alongside his impressive knack for replicating the voice of the star.

Carter J Murphy is also enjoyably energetic as the young Robbie, thriving off his nan’s (an expertly-cast Alison Steadman) attention and giving a beautifully raw rendition of Feel to kick off the slew of impressive musical numbers in the film. Other musical highlights include the Piccadilly Circus-based major production number for Rock DJ and the unashamedly romantic dance duet for She’s the One between monkey Robbie and soon-to-be fiancée, All Saints singer Nicole Appleton (Raechelle Banno, heartbreaking).

Better Man treats us to lavish production numbers for the gorgeously re-recorded hits od Robbie’s career (Picture: Paramount Pictures)

It’s chock full of recognisable pop culture figures important to Robbie, such as ex-fiancée Nicole Appleton (Picture: Paramount Pictures)

Better Man does veer into dark territory while Robbie battles his demons, and director Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman) uses these moments to explore more experimental territory, such as an extended surreal montage after a car crash. We also have a rather odd battle between former Robbies in the audience once we get to his performance of Let Me Entertain You at Knebworth in 2003, with the metaphor of being haunted by his past a little overdone over the course of the movie.

The film does also stretch out a little too long, putting it on the cusp of indulgence. However, for sheer originality, spectacle and cheek, it’s hard to quibble much with Better Man and its special brand of musical showbiz, all the way from Stoke-on-Trent.

Better Man hits UK cinemas on December 26. In the US, it has a limited release on December 25 before releasing widely on January 17, 2025.

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