Better Man (2024) Review: Robbie Williams – From Fame to Redemption. Where To Download Better Man (2024) SRT and Where to Watch Better Man (2024)
Better Man (2024) Review: Robbie Williams – From Fame to Redemption. Where To Download Better Man (2024) SRT and Where to Watch Better Man (2024)
Introduction
“Better Man” (2024) isn’t your typical music biopic. It’s a wild ride through the life of Robbie Williams, one of the UK’s biggest pop stars. But here’s the kicker – Williams is portrayed as a CGI chimpanzee. Yeah, you read that right. It’s bonkers, but somehow it works.
This film takes us on Robbie’s journey from his boy band days to solo stardom, warts and all. It’s got laughs, tears, and a whole lot of heart. And with a fresh 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it looks like this monkey business is paying off.
But “Better Man” is more than just a gimmicky portrayal of a pop icon. It’s a deep dive into the psyche of a man who’s lived his entire adult life in the spotlight. It explores the highs and lows of fame, the struggle with addiction, and the quest for redemption and self-acceptance.
The Story of “Better Man”
From Take That to Taking On the World
“Better Man” kicks off with young Robbie dreaming of stardom in his hometown of Stoke-on-Trent. We see him as a cheeky kid, full of energy and ambition, but also insecurity. The film does a great job of showing how Robbie’s early experiences shaped the man (and the chimp) he would become.
We see him join Take That at 15, getting thrust into a grown-up world way too soon. The film doesn’t shy away from showing how this early fame messed with his head. There’s a particularly poignant scene where young Robbie, overwhelmed by screaming fans, retreats to a bathroom stall. It’s here we first see him transform into the chimp – a visual metaphor for how he felt like a performing animal.
As Robbie, the CGI chimp (voiced by Jonno Davies) takes us through the dizzying heights of boy band success. The Take That years are portrayed with a mix of nostalgia and unease. We see the thrill of performing for thousands of screaming fans, but also the pressure and the growing tensions within the band.
The film doesn’t paint Robbie as a saint during this period. We see his ego grow along with his fame, leading to clashes with his bandmates, especially Gary Barlow. These scenes are handled with nuance – it’s clear that both Robbie and Gary were struggling with their own insecurities and the pressures of fame.
Going Solo and Hitting Rock Bottom
When Robbie leaves Take That, things get messy. The film doesn’t sugarcoat his struggles with addiction and mental health. There are some pretty dark moments, but seeing them played out by a digital ape somehow makes them more bearable.
One of the most powerful sequences shows Robbie’s descent into drug addiction. We see the CGI chimp stumbling through parties, hotel rooms, and recording studios, growing increasingly disheveled and erratic. It’s a stark contrast to the polished pop star image, and it’s all the more effective for being portrayed by an animated character.
We follow Robbie as he tries to make it on his own, dealing with the pressure of living up to his boy band past. The film does a great job of showing the double-edged sword of fame. On one hand, Robbie’s solo career takes off in a big way. We see him performing massive hits like “Angels” and “Rock DJ” to adoring crowds. But on the other hand, the pressure to maintain that success takes a heavy toll.
There are epic highs (like his massive Knebworth concerts) and crushing lows (battles with addiction and depression). The Knebworth scenes are particularly well done, capturing both the euphoria of performing for 375,000 people over three nights, and the crushing loneliness that followed.
Finding His Way Back
The last part of the film focuses on Robbie’s road to recovery. It’s not a smooth journey, but it’s a hopeful one. We see him reconnect with his estranged dad, find love, and rediscover his passion for music.
The film doesn’t present this as a magical, overnight transformation. Instead, it shows recovery as a process, with setbacks and struggles along the way. There’s a particularly moving scene where Robbie, still in chimp form, attends a therapy session. As he opens up about his fears and insecurities, we see flashes of his human self, symbolizing his journey towards self-acceptance.
The love story between Robbie and his wife Ayda Field is handled with a light touch. It’s not the central focus of the film, but it’s presented as a key part of Robbie’s journey towards stability and happiness. There’s a sweet scene where Robbie, for the first time, appears as his human self to Ayda, symbolizing him finally letting his guard down and showing his true self.
Throughout it all, the film weaves in Robbie’s biggest hits. But don’t expect a by-the-numbers greatest hits parade. Director Michael Gracey uses the songs creatively, often out of chronological order, to fit the emotional beats of the story. For example, “Feel” is used in a montage that spans several years of Robbie’s life, effectively capturing his ongoing struggle with self-doubt and his search for connection.
The Minds Behind the Monkey
Michael Gracey’s Vision
Director Michael Gracey, known for “The Greatest Showman,” brings his flair for visual spectacle to “Better Man.” He’s not afraid to get weird, and it pays off. The decision to portray Robbie as a chimp could’ve been a disaster, but Gracey makes it work.
Gracey’s background in visual effects shines through in the seamless blend of CGI and live-action. But it’s not just empty flash – there’s real emotion behind the pixels. The chimp Robbie is expressive and nuanced, capable of conveying complex emotions even in silence.
In interviews, Gracey has explained that the chimp idea came from conversations with Robbie himself. Williams often described feeling like a “performing monkey” in his early career, and Gracey took that metaphor and ran with it. It’s a risky move that could have backfired spectacularly, but Gracey’s confident direction makes it feel fresh and meaningful rather than gimmicky.
Writing Robbie’s Life
Writers Simon Gleeson, Oliver Cole, and Gracey himself had the tricky job of condensing Robbie’s wild life into a two-hour movie. They’ve managed to hit the big moments without it feeling like a Wikipedia page come to life.
The script doesn’t shy away from Robbie’s flaws, but it’s not a hatchet job either. It strikes a balance between honesty and empathy, letting us see the vulnerable human behind the cheeky public persona. There’s a particularly effective scene where Robbie, at the height of his fame, has a panic attack before going on stage. The way it’s written and performed captures the contradiction of being terrified and exhilarated at the same time.
One of the strengths of the writing is how it handles Robbie’s relationships. His bandmates in Take That, his parents, his wife Ayda – all are portrayed as complex characters in their own right, not just satellites orbiting Robbie’s star. This adds depth to the story and helps us understand Robbie’s journey in the context of his connections to others.
The writers also deserve credit for how they’ve structured the story. Rather than a straightforward chronological retelling, the film jumps back and forth in time, using Robbie’s songs and key emotional moments as touchstones. This keeps the energy up and allows for some creative transitions between different periods of Robbie’s life.
What the Critics Are Saying
The Chimp in the Room
Let’s address the 800-pound gorilla (or should that be chimp?) in the room. The decision to portray Robbie as a CGI ape is… bold. Critics are split on whether it works, but most agree it’s at least interesting.
Some reviewers praise it as a clever metaphor for how Robbie felt like a “performing monkey” in the music industry. The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw calls it “a surreal stroke of genius,” noting that it allows the film to explore Robbie’s feelings of alienation and artificiality in a visual way.
Others find it distracting. A review in The Independent argues that while the CGI is impressive, it sometimes creates an emotional distance between the audience and Robbie’s story. However, even critics who aren’t fully sold on the chimp concept tend to admire the boldness of the choice.
But almost everyone agrees it sets “Better Man” apart from the usual music biopic crowd. In a genre that can often feel formulaic, the chimp Robbie ensures that this film is anything but predictable.
More Than Monkey Business
Beyond the ape antics, critics are praising the film’s emotional depth. The Guardian calls it “raw and emotional,” while The Wrap describes it as “eccentric” but “beautiful.”
Many reviewers highlight the film’s honesty in dealing with addiction and mental health issues. It doesn’t glorify the rock and roll lifestyle, instead showing the toll it took on Robbie. The Hollywood Reporter praises the film for “not flinching from the darker aspects of Williams’ story,” while still maintaining a sense of humor and humanity.
Critics also note the film’s exploration of fame and its effects. Several reviews point out how effectively “Better Man” captures the disconnect between Robbie’s public persona and his private struggles. The Telegraph’s Robbie Collin writes that the film “gets to the heart of the pop star experience better than any biopic in recent memory.”
Musical Magic
The musical numbers are getting a lot of love from critics. Michael Gracey’s background in musicals shines through here. The Wrap calls one sequence “one of the best filmed and choreographed numbers of the 21st century.”
Many reviewers praise how the songs are integrated into the narrative. Rather than just recreating performances, the film uses Robbie’s music to drive the emotional arc of the story. Variety’s Guy Lodge notes that “the musical sequences serve as windows into Williams’ psyche, not just his discography.”
Some reviewers note that a few big hits are missing, likely due to rights issues. But overall, the consensus is that the music is well-integrated into the story, avoiding the “and then he wrote this song” clichés of many music biopics.
Comparisons and Contrasts
“Better Man” is often compared to other recent music biopics, especially “Rocketman” about Elton John. Like “Rocketman,” it takes a more fantastical approach rather than straight realism.
Several critics note that both films aren’t afraid to get weird in service of emotional truth. The AV Club’s A.A. Dowd writes, “Like ‘Rocketman,’ ‘Better Man’ understands that sometimes the best way to capture the feeling of a larger-than-life music career is to go big and surreal.”
However, some critics feel “Better Man” doesn’t quite reach the heights of “Rocketman” or “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The chimp gimmick, while interesting, sometimes gets in the way of fully connecting with Robbie’s story. A review in Rolling Stone argues that while the film is ambitious, it occasionally “sacrifices emotional resonance for visual spectacle.”
That said, many reviewers appreciate that “Better Man” is trying to do something different in the music biopic genre. Even those who aren’t fully convinced by the chimp conceit tend to admire the film’s willingness to take risks.
What Audiences Are Saying
While critics are mostly positive, audience reactions are even warmer. On Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score is sitting at a hefty 95%.
Many fans praise the film for its honesty and humor. Robbie Williams devotees seem especially pleased with how it captures his cheeky personality while still showing his vulnerabilities. One user review on IMDb says, “It’s like watching Robbie bare his soul, but with a sense of humor about it.”
The chimp portrayal seems to be less divisive among general audiences than critics. Many viewers find it a clever and engaging way to tell Robbie’s story. A common sentiment in user reviews is that the CGI chimp allows the film to explore Robbie’s emotions in a way that feels both playful and profound.
Some viewers who weren’t familiar with Robbie’s music say the film made them fans. That’s a pretty good sign that “Better Man” is working as both entertainment and a showcase for Williams’ talents. There are numerous comments from viewers saying they went to stream Robbie’s music right after watching the film.
The emotional impact of the film comes up in many audience reviews. Viewers praise how the film handles topics like addiction and mental health, with many saying it moved them to tears. One Rotten Tomatoes user writes, “I laughed, I cried, and I came out feeling like I really understood Robbie Williams for the first time.”
Where to Watch Better Man (2024)
In Theaters
“Better Man” is currently enjoying a strong theatrical run. It first hit UK cinemas on December 28, 2024, and has been gradually rolling out to other countries.
In the UK, the film has been a box office hit, outperforming expectations in its opening weekend. It’s been playing in major cinema chains like Vue, Odeon, and Cineworld, as well as independent cinemas.
The US release followed on January 15, 2025, with a limited release in major cities before expanding nationwide. It’s been particularly popular in areas with large pop music fanbases, like New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville.
For the most up-to-date showtimes and tickets, check out:
- Fandango (www.fandango.com)
- AMC Theatres (www.amctheatres.com)
- Regal Cinemas (www.regmovies.com)
If you’re outside the US, look for local cinema chains or aggregator sites like:
- Vue Cinemas (UK) (www.myvue.com)
- Event Cinemas (Australia) (www.eventcinemas.com.au)
- Cineplex (Canada) (www.cineplex.com)
Many theaters are offering special “sing-along” screenings of “Better Man,” where audiences are encouraged to join in on Robbie’s biggest hits. These have been particularly popular, often selling out quickly.
Streaming Options
As of early 2025, “Better Man” isn’t available on streaming platforms yet. But based on typical release patterns, we can make some educated guesses about where it might end up:
- Netflix: Given their focus on music documentaries and biopics, Netflix could be a strong contender. They’ve had success with music-focused content like “Taylor Swift: Miss Americana” and “Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé.”
- Amazon Prime Video: They’ve been snagging a lot of music-related content lately, including the Rihanna documentary “Rihanna: Volume One” and “P!NK: All I Know So Far.”
- Disney+: If the film’s distribution is handled by 20th Century Studios (formerly Fox), it could end up here. Disney+ has been expanding its offerings beyond family-friendly content, so a Robbie Williams biopic wouldn’t be out of place.
- HBO Max: They’ve shown interest in music-focused content, hosting films like “Tina” about Tina Turner.
Keep an eye on these platforms in the coming months. Typically, films hit streaming services 3-6 months after their theatrical run. Given “Better Man’s” December 2024 UK release, we might see it on streaming platforms around March or April 2025.
It’s worth noting that streaming rights can vary by country. The film might appear on different platforms in different regions, so check local streaming services as well.
Digital Rental and Purchase
If you can’t wait for streaming, “Better Man” will likely be available for digital rental and purchase a few months after its theatrical release. Check these platforms:
- iTunes / Apple TV
- Google Play
- Vudu
- Microsoft Store
- Amazon Prime Video (for purchase, separate from Prime subscription)
Digital rentals usually become available about 3 months after the theatrical release, with digital purchases following shortly after. So we might see “Better Man” available for digital rental and purchase around March or April 2025.
Prices typically range from $5.99 to $7.99 for rentals, and $14.99 to $19.99 for purchases, depending on the platform and whether you’re opting for HD or 4K quality.
Some platforms might offer special features with the digital purchase, like behind-the-scenes footage or interviews with Robbie Williams and the filmmakers. These extras can add value for fans who want to dive deeper into the making of the film.
Downloading the SRT for “Better Man”
What’s an SRT File?
Before we dive into where to get the SRT for “Better Man,” let’s quickly cover what an SRT file is.
SRT stands for “SubRip Subtitle” file. It’s a simple text file that contains subtitle information for a video, including the text of the subtitles and timing information for when each subtitle should appear and disappear.
SRT files are great because:
- They work with most video players
- You can easily edit them if needed
- They’re small files, so they’re quick to download
SRT files are particularly useful for films like “Better Man” that might use slang or have musical lyrics that are hard to catch. They’re also great for viewers who are hard of hearing or watching in a noisy environment.
Where to Find the “Better Man” SRT
As of early 2025, “Better Man” is still in theaters, so official SRT files aren’t widely available yet. However, once the film hits digital platforms, you’ll have a few options:
- Official Sources:
- Check the extras when you buy or rent the digital version. Many platforms include subtitle files.
- If you purchase a Blu-ray or DVD, it may come with an SRT file.
- Subtitle Websites:
- OpenSubtitles.org: A large database of subtitle files for movies and TV shows.
- Subscene.com: Another popular subtitle site with a user-friendly interface.
- ElSubtitle.com: Offers subtitles in multiple languages.
Remember, always be cautious when downloading files from third-party sites. Stick to reputable sources and run a virus scan if you’re unsure.
It’s worth noting that SRT files are often created by fans, especially in the early days after a film’s release. While these can be a great resource, they may contain errors or mistranslations. If accuracy is crucial, it’s best to wait for official subtitle files.
How to Use SRT Files
Once you’ve got your “Better Man” SRT file, here’s how to use it:
- Make sure the SRT file has the exact same name as your video file (just with .srt at the end instead of .mp4 or whatever video format you’re using).
- Put the SRT file in the same folder as your video file.
- Open the video with a player that supports external subtitles (VLC is a great free option).
- If the subtitles don’t show up automatically, look for a “Subtitles” or “CC” option in your video player to turn them on.
Most modern smart TVs and streaming devices also support SRT files. You can usually load them through the device’s media player or by using a USB drive.
For “Better Man,” SRT files could be particularly useful for catching all the lyrics in the musical numbers, or for understanding some of the British slang used in the dialogue.
Final Thoughts on “Better Man”
“Better Man” is not your average music biopic. It’s weird, it’s wild, and it’s surprisingly touching. The decision to portray Robbie Williams as a CGI chimp could have been a disaster, but somehow, it works.
Director Michael Gracey has created a film that captures the essence of Robbie Williams – his cheeky humor, his vulnerability, and his undeniable talent. It doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of fame and addiction, but it also celebrates the joy of music and performance.
One of the film’s strengths is how it balances the spectacle of Robbie’s career with the intimate details of his personal struggles. The big concert scenes are thrilling, capturing the energy and excitement of live performance. But it’s in the quieter moments – a lonely Robbie in a hotel room, or a heart-to-heart with his father – where the film really shines.
The chimp portrayal, while unconventional, allows the film to explore Robbie’s emotions in a unique way. It’s a visual representation of how he often felt like a performing animal, trapped by his own fame. But it also allows for moments of pure joy and silliness that capture Robbie’s playful spirit.
The film’s handling of Robbie’s struggles with addiction and mental health is particularly noteworthy. It doesn’t glamorize these issues, nor does it treat them as simply obstacles to be overcome. Instead, it presents them as ongoing challenges that Robbie learns to manage, offering a nuanced and realistic portrayal of recovery.
“Better Man” also does a great job of contextualizing Robbie’s career within the broader pop culture landscape of the ’90s and 2000s. It touches on the boy band phenomenon, the Britpop era, and the changing nature of fame in the internet age. This gives the film a depth that goes beyond just telling one man’s story.
The musical sequences are a highlight, reimagining Robbie’s biggest hits in creative ways that serve the narrative. From a surreal “Rock DJ” number that visualizes Robbie’s feelings of exposure and vulnerability, to a poignant rendition of “Angels” that captures the loneliness of fame, these scenes are sure to stick with viewers long after the credits roll.
Is it perfect? No. Some viewers might find the chimp gimmick distracting. And die-hard fans might quibble about which parts of Robbie’s life were left out. But as a piece of entertainment that tries to do something different with the music biopic formula, “Better Man” succeeds.
The film’s willingness to take risks and push boundaries is commendable. In a genre that can often feel formulaic, “Better Man” stands out as a bold and original take on the music biopic. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most interesting stories are told in the most unexpected ways.
Whether you’re a long-time Robbie Williams fan or you barely know “Angels,” there’s something in “Better Man” for you. It’s a reminder of the power of music to connect us, heal us, and sometimes save us. It’s a celebration of resilience, of finding your way back from the brink, and of the transformative power of self-acceptance.
So grab some popcorn, download that SRT file, and get ready for a cinematic experience that’s anything but ordinary. “Better Man” proves that sometimes, to tell a truly human story, you need a little monkey business. It’s a film that will make you laugh, cry, and possibly reconsider everything you thought you knew about Robbie Williams. And in the end, isn’t that what great biopics are all about?