“Better Man”: Robbie Williams finds the monkey in himself

The monkey served Robbie Williams (50) back in 2002 in the song “Me and My Monkey” as a metaphor for his demons. Now the pop star is making a name for herself Biopic “Better Man” (in cinemas since January 2nd, 2025) is a shame again. More specifically: director Michael Gracey narrates Williams' Life story in one Musical film after – except that the pop star in it is from one Chimpanzees is embodied.

Williams provides voiceover

“Better Man” tells the rise of British pop singer Robbie Williams over the course of three decades in the style of a satirical musical – from his difficult beginnings in Stoke-on-Trent to his rise with the boy band Take That to the start of his solo career. Jonno Davies (32) takes on the role of young Robbie, portrayed as a chimpanzee using motion capture; Williams himself provides the voiceover.

The film portrays Williams as a lovable goofball whose cheerfulness is often exploited, leading him into a downward spiral of substance abuse and self-doubt. The emotional depth is heightened by his relationship with his grandmother Betty (Alison Steadman) and the complicated connection with his self-centered father Peter (Steve Pemberton).

Robbie Williams as a chimpanzee: funny gimmick or important stylistic device?

The decision to portray Robbie Williams as a CGI chimpanzee is undoubtedly bold and unconventional. From a distance, the whole thing sounds like an extremely strange gimmick à la “Rocketman” meets “Planet of the Apes.” But the opposite is the case: the chimpanzee depiction, as a central stylistic device, reflects Williams' own perception of often feeling like a “performing monkey”, which gives the film an additional level of self-reflection.

Surprisingly, this concept works surprisingly well: the use of a monkey as the main character allows the audience to sympathize with Williams' inner struggles in a way – albeit a bit strange at first – that might not have been possible, or only superficially, with a human portrayal.

Hits and their staging

Also musical Robbie fans get their money's worth: “Better Man” as a musical integrates many of Williams' greatest solo hits. Director Gracey gives the musical sequences a theatrical quality that is reminiscent of his earlier work “The Greatest Showman” – without becoming too cheesy. Particularly notable numbers include “Come Undone” as a haunting ode to Williams' self-pity and “Angels” as a powerful, gentle anthem, while “She's The One” comes across as a high-spirited Hollywood romance. The musical highlight is probably the sequence around “Rock DJ”. It's clear: Williams' songs, no matter how many times we've heard them on the radio or belted them out at folk festivals, are an expression of his ability to connect with audiences and express his deepest feelings.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that “Better Man” is one bold and unconventional interpretation one Biopicswhich dares to push the boundaries of the genre. Anyone who manages to get involved with the initially absurd concept of a CGI chimpanzee as the main character will definitely enjoy the film emotional force unfold. The scenes between Williams and his grandmother are particularly heartbreaking.

Many biopics tend to flatter the protagonists and ignore what might put them in a bad light. Williams has always been open with his weaknesses – but the honesty with which he allowed himself to be portrayed here is astonishing. We see him as a bad friend, an inconsiderate son, a toxic partner and an unpleasant person to work with.

“Better Man” is much more than just a sappy retelling of a pop star's career: it's a unique, deep one touching journey through the ups and downs of a man struggling with his inner demons – without simply blaming the reasons for this on childhood trauma or his drug addiction. The film hits the heart and leaves no eyes dry.

5 out of 5 monkey jumps into the charts