Michael Review: An Uneven Biographical Drama!

Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua, is a biographical musical drama that attempts to capture the life and legacy of one of the most iconic entertainers in history, Michael Jackson. Spanning two decades—from his early days with the Jackson 5 to the global phenomenon of the Bad era—the film sets out to humanize the legend while celebrating the artistry that made him a cultural force. With a runtime of just over two hours, it balances performance-driven musical moments with glimpses into his personal life.

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The film begins with Michael’s childhood, showing his early rise under the strict and often intimidating guidance of his father, Joe Jackson. As the story progresses, it transitions into his solo career, highlighting key milestones like studio collaborations, the making of Thriller, and his evolution into a global superstar. Alongside the music and performances, the film touches on his struggles with fame, family pressures, and identity, though it primarily presents these moments as snapshots rather than deeply explored arcs.

One of the strongest aspects of Michael is its first act. The younger years are genuinely engaging, offering a look into the Jackson 5 era that many viewers may not be fully familiar with. The child actor portraying young Michael does a commendable job, capturing both the innocence and the early signs of the discipline that would later define him. These early sequences feel grounded and emotionally resonant, setting up what could have been a deeper exploration of his formative years.

Performance-wise, Jaafar Jackson is undoubtedly the film’s biggest strength. His portrayal of Michael is incredibly convincing—not just in appearance, but in the physicality of the role. From the voice modulation to the singing, dancing, expressions, and body language, he brings a level of authenticity that elevates the film. There are moments where he looks strikingly similar to Michael, and the casting choice—being his real-life nephew—only adds to that believability.

The musical and performance sequences are another highlight. Scenes like the making of Thriller and the concert segments are enjoyable and well-executed, giving the audience glimpses of the artistry and spectacle that defined Michael Jackson’s career. These moments ensure that the film is never boring, as there’s always something visually or musically engaging happening on screen.

However, where the film falls short is in its storytelling depth. Much of the narrative feels surface-level, moving from one major event to another without fully exploring the emotional or psychological layers behind them. It often comes across as a checklist of moments—what Michael did, where he went, who he met—without digging deeper into why those moments mattered or how they shaped him. Significant aspects of his life are either brushed over quickly or avoided altogether, which makes the story feel incomplete.

The relationship with his father, played by Colman Domingo, is introduced as a central conflict but isn’t explored with the depth it deserves. Similarly, his mother’s presence feels somewhat one-note, and his siblings barely have a voice in the narrative. Considering how integral family dynamics were to Michael’s life, this lack of depth is noticeable. The film seems to lean toward presenting a more polished, almost sanitized version of his story, which limits its emotional impact or any impact at all.

In comparison to other musical biopics like Bohemian Rhapsody, which managed to balance spectacle with character depth, Michael feels caught in between. It isn’t fully a fan-service spectacle, nor is it a deeply introspective character study—it sits somewhere in the middle without fully committing to either. As a result, it delivers glimpses of both but never quite reaches the emotional highs or narrative depth you’d expect, leaving the overall experience feeling somewhat incomplete despite its strong moments.

Overall, Michael is an engaging but uneven biographical drama. It succeeds in its performances and musical sequences, particularly through Jaafar Jackson’s standout portrayal, but falls short in delivering a truly layered and insightful narrative. It’s a watchable tribute to a legendary artist, but one that leaves you wishing it had gone deeper into the man behind the music.

‘Michael (2026)’ Rating – 2.5/5