Better Man has debuted to stellar reviews (Picture: Paramount Pictures/Better Man AU Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved)
Robbie Williams’ Better Man biopic has received an incredible reception following its release, including a very impressive score on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.
In a move that has generated quite the discussion, the Angels hitmaker is portrayed by a CGI monkey in his musical/fantasy flick, which chronicles his meteoric rise to fame.
After landing in cinemas on Boxing Day, Better Man, in which Robbie is portrayed by Jonno Davies, has achieved a 92% score on RT, with reviews from 75 critics.
Despite acknowledging its ‘ridiculous’ and ‘bombastic’ nature, critic Hannah Strong said the film also has ‘assured ease and persistent rough-around-the-edges charm.’
Bill Bria said the Michael Gracey-directed project ‘defies all expectations’ and is ‘surprisingly emotional’.
Praising the unusual casting choice, Alan Ng said: ‘The chimp gimmick never gets tiresome; in the end, it plays out beautifully.’
Critics have praised the ‘surprisingly emotional’ nature of the film (Picture: Aldara Zarraoa/WireImage)
Better Man achieved a super high rating on Rotten Tomatoes after landing in cinemas
‘It’s brash, in your face, and on the nose. But that’s Robbie Williams. Could a biopic of him play out any other way? C’mon. Let him entertain you,’ added Clint Worthington.
Meanwhile, Metro’s Senior Film Reporter Tori Brazier gave Better Man 4.5 stars, who had specific praise for the ‘unflinching writing’ which resonates with audiences as it dives into Robbie’s demons and personal life.
And it’s not just critics who have lauded the movie, as fans are also impressed.
Writing on X, DavidWearne7 said: ‘I saw this movie yesterday. It was not what I expected at all. It was quite emotional at times, and has certainly left me and thinking……’
Others now also feel compelled to see what all the fuss is about thanks to the glowing reviews, having initially laughed at the monkey concept.
‘This is good to know. I was on the fence. It looked too out of the box for its own good. I’m going to see it now’, wrote MikeBinderjokes.
As for why Robbie is played by a monkey in the biopic, while all others are humans, the Candy hitmaker discussed the choice at the premiere.
Jonno Davies plays the monkey, while all others in the film are human (Picture: Karwai Tang/WireImage)
The biopic is very ‘warts and all’ (Picture: Gisela Schober/Getty Images for Bunte)
‘I didn’t know that I’d have to explain it, but obviously [I do]!’, the 50-year-old smiled when chatting to Metro.
‘Cause it’s unusual, right? That’s the thing,’ he continued.
‘I’m on the spectrum, so things that are unusual to me aren’t that unusual – I don’t pick up on those sorts of cues. I don’t know where I am on the spectrum, by the way; I just know I am.’
‘It’s a monkey, get over it,’ he then mockingly huffed, before musing: ‘I’m sure somewhere in the world… Bob Dylan, who’s got a biopic coming out right now, is going, “Why wasn’t that a monkey?”, or something.’
Robbie defended the decision, saying having himself as a monkey ‘makes’ the film.
Director Michael (also behind The Greatest Showman) also previously explained that Robbie felt ‘like a monkey’ when he was ‘just dragged up to perform’ for thousands of people.
‘He literally sees himself as a performing monkey. And I thought, “That would be amazing; I would love to see that film”,’ he told Deadline in August.
Better Man was directed by Michael Gracey, who also made The Greatest Showman (Picture: Directing Better Man/Youtube
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
As well as his career highs, Better Man also revisits the crushing lows of Robbie’s life, such as his addictions and rocky relationships, as well as the pressures of being catapulted to stardom as a youngster in Take That.
‘I’m a big believer in when you go to those darker moments, you feel the light so much more,’ the director said ahead of release.
‘So from a narrative point of view, I thought it was amazing to have Rob be that willing to go to those places where he does not come off looking good or favourable in quite a lot of scenes.’
Noting that the film is incredibly ‘honest’, he added: ‘Audiences are really very aware of when they’re watching the sanitised version, and I just think this is the opposite – you really are getting shown warts and all.’
Better Man is now showing in cinemas.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.