Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Creative biopic on pitfalls of fame; drugs, strong language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Better Man
What's the Story?
BETTER MAN tells the story of pop icon Robbie Williams (who narrates), charting his journey from humble beginnings and adjusting to his father's (Steve Pemberton) departure from the family home to his rise as a member of boyband Take That and then as a solo star. The film delves into the tumultuous and unforgiving world of fame and the music industry, which ultimately led him down a dark path. Oh, and another thing to note: he's a monkey (Jonno Davies).
Is It Any Good?
Directed by Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman) this musical biopic about British pop star Williams is unlike any other. Although Better Man is narrated by Williams himself, he's actually portrayed on-screen as … a monkey. This choice is neither explained nor acknowledged—it is just what it is. Everybody else is human, except him. Though this might sound like a gimmick, it never feels gimmicky. Instead, it adds a layer of humanity to a film that is profoundly moving at times, while also capturing Williams' vivacious energy. The story doesn't shy away from some of the darker sides of fame, exploring the singer's struggles with depression and addiction. The use of a monkey as a stand-in for Williams is an unsubtle but effective metaphor: A man who feels different to everyone else is treated as a performing monkey by the industry. And while subtlety has rarely been Williams' strong suit, this creative choice works. Add to this the singing, dancing, big musical set pieces, and caricatured pop culture references, and, as Williams once promised, his story certainly entertains.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how fame was portrayed in Better Man. Did the film make being famous appealing? Why, or why not? What pitfalls of fame did Robbie succumb to?
How were drinking, smoking, and drugs portrayed? Were there consequences? Did it glamorize them?
There's lots of strong language used in the movie. What did it contribute to the story? Is a certain level of language expected in a film like this? If so, why?
How did the movie portray sex and relationships? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
What did you think of the decision to make Robbie Williams a chimpanzee? What did you think the film was trying to say by doing this?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 25, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : February 11, 2025
- Cast : Robbie Williams , Steve Pemberton , Raechelle Banno
- Director : Michael Gracey
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : Arts ( Concert , Music and Sing-Along ) , History ( Biopic ) , Family Stories
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 134 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : drug use, pervasive language, sexual content, nudity and some violent content
- Awards : Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : November 3, 2025
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