Ridiculously Enjoyable Robbie Williams Biopic: A CGI Monkey Steals the Show

What initially seemed like an outrageous gamble—a CGI chimpanzee playing Robbie Williams—pays off in spectacular fashion in Better Man, a musical biopic that’s as audacious as its subject.

At the beginning of 2024, if someone had told me I’d enjoy a Robbie Williams biopic directed by Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), I’d have dismissed it outright. But as the year ends, I find myself eating humble pie. Better Man is not just entertaining; it’s genuinely brilliant.

The surprise twist? Williams isn’t played by a young actor from the Sylvia Young Theatre School, eager to land his first GQ spread. Instead, he’s portrayed by a CGI chimpanzee—a bold move inspired by Williams’ own comment about feeling like a “performing monkey.” The choice is nothing short of genius. It sidesteps the inevitable comparisons between actor and subject, allows Williams to voice his digital avatar, and adds a surreal, fantastical dimension missing in films like Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman.

Crucially, the film treats this eccentricity with unwavering seriousness. There are no in-jokes or explanations—just the simple fact that Robbie is a chimp, existing seamlessly in the world of the film. It’s absurd, yet it works—a metaphor for Williams’ improbable career trajectory.

Cabaret Meets Chaos

The film frames itself as a “cabaret” performance, a nod to Williams’ own description of his style. This sets the tone for a story that’s self-aware, affectionately satirical, and refreshingly irreverent. Unlike the usual biopics laden with solemnity, Better Man pokes fun at the celebrity machine and Williams himself, who has always been candid about his flaws.

That’s not to say the film lacks depth. Weighty moments abound, including a shocking recount of how Williams’ then-girlfriend, Nicole Appleton, was pressured by her record label into an abortion to preserve her popstar image. The film doesn’t shy away from the darker side of fame, portraying debauchery—like a chimp snorting lines and engaging in nightclub antics—not as glamorous but as seedy and disconcerting.

The CGI gimmick reaches its pinnacle in an over-the-top, jaw-dropping sequence: a battle royale featuring hundreds of Monkey Robbies in a chaotic free-for-all. It’s outrageous, exhilarating, and oddly poignant—a perfect encapsulation of the circus that is stardom.

Lavish, Bombastic, and Self-Aware

With spectacular renditions of Williams’ greatest hits (though sadly, “Advertising Space” is absent) and a standout supporting performance by Steve Pemberton as Robbie’s flamboyant, absent father, the film balances over-the-top bombast with a rough-edged charm. Gracey and Williams have crafted a biopic that doesn’t just recount a career but captures the wild, chaotic essence of fame itself.

If there’s one complaint, it’s that Gracey used the title The Greatest Showman for his earlier film when it would have been perfect here. Bombastic, knowingly ridiculous, and deeply entertaining, Better Man is a wild ride you won’t forget.

Catch the New Trailer for #BetterManMovie

Better Man opens in select theaters on December 25 and everywhere on January 10.

Based on the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and incredible resurgence of Robbie Williams, this biopic dives deep into the life of one of Britain’s most iconic pop stars. Under the visionary direction of Michael Gracey, the film offers a unique, witty perspective on Williams’ journey—from boyband fame with Take That to record-breaking solo stardom—while confronting the trials of life under the spotlight.