I did not think going into this movie that it was going to be such a tearjerker - especially from an animated cgi monkey! This was so much better than I expected, a really well told story that pulls at your emotions

Like an album with only one good song: it's decent overall and that one idea is excellent but not enough to elevate the entire thing over the course of the work. The CGI monkey was brilliant and Robbie Williams really made an effort to portray himself warts and all, unfortunately those warts are the same warts we've seen in every musician's biopic. Famous too young, sex, drugs, destroying hotel rooms, treating close family and friends like shit... As someone who was an active alcoholic for 30 years, the only thing that differentiates him and me is he got everything he wanted. Maybe next time, show us how the rock star is different from, and not the same as, every other rock star? :person_shrugging:

Better Man isn’t just a biopic—it’s an emotional gut punch wrapped in a visually stunning, artistically unique package. Watching it felt like peeling back layers of a performer I’ve seen live four times, from the iconic Knebworth shows to his reunion tour with Take That and even Hyde Park Festival. But as mesmerizing as those performances were, this film makes you realize the personal battles Robbie was fighting behind the scenes. It’s both fascinating and heartbreaking to see what he was enduring to deliver those electric moments on stage, and it hit me harder than I expected. The film doesn’t shy away from pivotal moments—his turbulent relationships, especially the wild stories with the Gallaghers, which were like myth and legend in my younger years. His complicated relationship with his father adds another layer of emotional depth, showing how those familial tensions influenced his journey. The film also captures his knack for self-destructive tendencies, often sabotaging himself right at the pinnacle or precipice of success, whether in his professional life or personal relationships. The Knebworth scenes are particularly harrowing and visually striking, showing Robbie battling his inner demons even while delivering legendary performances. They’re all here, but brought to life in a way that feels almost surreal. The technology behind it, courtesy of Weta, is mind-blowing, but what’s even more incredible is how quickly you forget it’s there. You don’t see some CGI creation—you just see Robbie. His character, his struggles, his triumphs, all front and center, and it feels painfully real. The depictions of mental illness hit very close to home. For anyone who’s dealt with the internal war that comes with depression, it’s deeply moving and, at times, almost exhausting to watch. The film doesn’t glamorize or dilute these struggles; it lays them bare in a way that’s both raw and honest, making it impossible not to feel the weight of Robbie’s journey. I know a lot of people might skip this because they’re not into Robbie Williams or think they know his story. But honestly, they’d be missing out. This isn’t your standard biopic—it’s an artistic, emotional rollercoaster that dives deep into the heart of fame, addiction, and self-discovery. It’s unlike almost any film I’ve seen, and by the end, I was an emotional wreck (still hoping to stop crying soon!). If you’re even remotely curious, Better Man is an absolute must-watch, especially if you enjoy other biopics such as Rocket Man or Bohemian Rhapsody.

This is canonically a Planet of the Apes movie.

It's a compelling story, well told through amazing visuals, engaging music use and some fantastic dance numbers. [spoiler] It doesn't paint a positive picture of Robbie Williams, but it's definitely an interesting, complex one. [/spoiler] [spoiler] Really, the only issue I had with it, is the redemption arcs for both Robbie and his father come way too easily. [/spoiler] I think we could have afforded to shave even 5 minutes off the early years to flesh that out a bit more. Or just make the movie longer; it's already over 2hrs, what's 5 extra minutes if it makes the story better as a whole? Also, as a Melbournian, it's always fun supporting movies made here (despite such a non-local subject), and playing "spot the familiar face".