FANTASTIC FEST: Showmanship Shines In ‘Better Man’

Directed by Michael Gracey, known for his work on The Greatest Showman, and written by Gracey, Oliver Cole, and Simon Gleeson, Better Man pushes your idea of what a biopic can be. The film recounts Robbie Williams childhood, rise to fame, relationships, rehabilitation, and everything that happens in between. Only it does it with Robbie Williams, who plays himself, providing the voice for a monkey. Yes, in this film about a man’s life, he has agreed to be played by a CGI monkey. The creativity showcased in this choice is made deeper when you realize that its weirdness is never commented on in the film and is, instead, just how Williams sees himself.

The CGI work in Better Man is absolutely astounding. From the creative clothing to the changing hairstyles that replicate William’s aesthetic shifts throughout his career, and most importantly, the soulful eyes that amaze you, it all works. Initially, I thought I would describe the motion-capture and animation as something akin to the new Planet of the Apes franchise. But it’s more than that, thanks to the ever-changing wardrobe and style of this monkeyfied Robbie Williams played by Jonno Davies.

Better Man doesn’t escape the biopic formula, which keeps it from achieving perfection. That said, every time you start to lull into the expected, something happens to pull you out of it—like a big dance number. Gracey’s vision may seem like an attempt at shock, but Better Man recounts Robbie Williams’ life as he sees himself. And in that way, the dancing singing monkey was the right choice.

It also can’t be understated that the choice to make Williams a monkey, even with the film’s subject voicing himself for musical numbers and played by Davies outside those moments, allows audiences who may not know the pop star to connect. While I had heard “Angels” before the film, I didn’t really know who Williams was, his storied career, and his impact on European pop music as a whole. When we watched Williams and Gracey introduce the film, I felt a disconnect and wasn’t entirely sure that anything would click. But the monkey? That allowed me to map whoever I wanted into the story. That is until the film hit me like a truck in the second act.

As Williams begins to come to his revelations about his family, his life, and his future, it’s hard not to be pulled into the joy and the tragedy. Better Man is a deeply intimate story in which Williams chooses to lay himself bare. He has opened his heart and allowed us to see his joy, love, trauma, regret, and grief. We see his mistakes unobscured from a glittering filter of stardom.

Williams was deeply involved in the creative process behind the film, and ultimately, it would have been easy to paint him as a triumphant person. In some ways, his resiliency is on full display, but he also shares the deeply unlikable parts of himself. There are points throughout the film where you just can’t root for him, even with his pain glimmering under the surface. It’s that vulnerability and unrestrained display of Williams’ demons and battle with suicidal thoughts that keeps you engaged. There is always more to Williams, and his willingness to let us in has to be rewarded by not looking away.

In all honesty, Better Man is a film I don’t think I would have chosen to watch. However, I gave it a chance since it screened as part of Fantastic Fest’s Secret Screening programming. Despite not knowing Robbie Williams’ work, I let it wash over me. And it was one of the best cinematic experiences of the festival.

Better Man has heart in spades, never losing itself in its near-absurd premise. Instead, the film always presents a sincere and intimate portrait of Robbie Williams. It evokes the showmanship that Williams is known for, that Gracey is known for, and always delivers. Beautiful and always entertaining, Better Man deserves your immediate attention.

Better Man screened as a part of Fantastic Fest 2024 and is scheduled to release in 2025.