Common Sense Media Review
By Alistair Lawrence
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gentle Beatles manager biopic touches on sexuality, drugs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Midas Man
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
MIDAS MAN tells the story of Brian Epstein (Jacob Fortune-Lloyd), the man credited with discovering and managing The Beatles.
Is It Any Good?
This slight but affectionate biopic of The Beatles' famed manager Epstein is carried by a charismatic turn from Fortune-Lloyd as the successful but troubled entrepreneur. One of several biopics about or featuring iconic musicians that must make do without using any of the artists' music, Midas Man fills the gaps with scenes featuring some of the cover versions that The Beatles performed during their early days. Much of the rest of the story whizzes through the highs and lows of band's career with pacy voiceovers and narration to cameras, which adds to the sense of the filmmakers trying to cram in as much detail as possible but struggling to make it all fit. This spills over into the end credits, where an epilogue covers Epstein's final days. For all of Fortune-Lloyd's craft and screen presence, Midas Man never really escapes the shadow of the Fab Four, despite keeping them and their music at arm's length. It also avoids anything that might stir controversy about Epstein, resulting in a sympathetic portrait that feels overly respectful and eager to steer clear of anything that doesn't praise its hero.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Midas Man portrayed both homophobia and racism of the time period? Why is it important to stand up against discrimination? How did certain characters in the film respond to prejudicial attitudes? What can we learn from these historical examples about treating all people with respect and dignity?
How did the film depict drinking, drugs, and smoking? Were they glamorized? Why does that matter? Do you think attitudes toward these things have changed since the time the film is set?
Talk about the character of Brian Epstein. What character strengths did he show?
What do you about the history of The Beatles? Did you learn anything new from this movie? What other music biopics have you seen? How did this compare?
Discuss the language in the film. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 21, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : January 22, 2025
- Cast : Jacob Fortune-Lloyd , Emily Watson , Eddie Marsan
- Director : Joe Stephenson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Briarcliff Entertainment
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 112 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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