The inevitable biopic of one of the greatest musical artists of all time, Michael, charts Michael Jackson’s rise to fame to his break away from the family business: The Jackson 5.
Michael knew exactly how to draw in its primary audience. Those who grew up around the height of Michael’s fame and wanted to gorge on nostalgia – and in that, the movie delivered. From the creation of popular hits to the iconic music videos and dance steps, it’s electrifying hearing those chords and watching those moments that will spark through generations.
Jaafar Jackson might have effortlessly stepped into his uncle’s shoes, but he holds his own; he captures enough of Michael’s energy and mannerisms to make the performance engaging without overdoing it.
Colman Domingo, who plays the ‘villainous’ Joe Jackson, is, of course, sensational. He leans so far into the role that we lose sight of him completely, allowing him to bring a much-needed dose of chilling reality to the film. But even strong performances can’t distract from the fact that Michael is incredibly hollow.
If someone knew nothing about Michael Jackson going in, they would leave understanding the broad strokes: he was talented, isolated, heavily controlled by his abusive father, and eventually broke free from those oppressive shackles to become a global superstar desperate to redefine himself beyond the Jackson family machine.
But for the millions who grew up during the height of Michael Jackson’s fame—who know the controversy, the family dynamics, the friendships, the relationships, and the sharp business instincts that helped shape his empire—Michael is frustratingly superficial.
Despite the legal reasons which prevented any mention of her in this film, the absence of Janet Jackson is particularly glaring, as we all know the facts of reality: she was important both personally and professionally within the Jackson family story. More importantly, the film never really answers the central question at the heart of any worthwhile biopic: how did Michael Jackson become Michael Jackson? Not the performer, but the person.
There’s very little psychological depth beneath the spectacle. The film touches on loneliness and control, but never digs far enough into the contradictions, pressures, or complexities that defined him. Instead, it often feels like the safer edges of his story have been carefully sanded down.
Sure, you’ll spend much of Michael singing along and reliving iconic moments. But there’s a glaring lack of substance underneath the sequins and spectacle, leaving the film feeling less like an honest portrait and more like a polished fairy tale carefully protected by the Jackson estate.
Michael’s story will continue, and so we can only hope that the sequel scratches the itch that this film dances around.
Rating: 2.5/5
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