Better Man is a 2024 biographical musical film that delves into the life of British pop star Robbie Williams. Directed by Michael Gracey, known for “The Greatest Showman,” the film employs a distinctive narrative device by portraying Williams as a CGI chimpanzee, a creative choice reflecting his self-perception as “less evolved” or akin to a “performing monkey.”
Better Man Soundtrack (OST)
The Better Man soundtrack features reimagined versions of Robbie Williams’ most iconic songs, tailored specifically for the film. Released digitally on December 27, 2024, with physical formats like CD and cassette expected in early 2025, the album comprises 13 tracks that encapsulate pivotal moments from Williams’ life and career.
Tracklist: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
- Feel (feat. Carter J. Murphy & Steve Pemberton)
- I Found Heaven (feat. Tom Bales & Adam Tucker)
- Rock DJ
- Relight My Fire (feat. Tom Bales & Adam Tucker)
- Come Undone (feat. Adam Tucker)
- She’s the One (feat. Adam Tucker & Kayleigh McKnight)
- Something Beautiful
- Land of 1000 Dances (feat. Adam Tucker)
- Angels (feat. Adam Tucker)
- Let Me Entertain You (feat. Adam Tucker)
- Better Man (feat. Adam Tucker)
- My Way (feat. Adam Tucker & Steve Pemberton)
- Forbidden Road
“Forbidden Road,” an original composition for the film, was released as a single on November 22, 2024. It achieved a peak position of number 20 on the UK Singles Downloads Chart. The song garnered critical acclaim, earning a nomination for Best Original Song at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards. However, it faced disqualification from the 97th Academy Awards’ Best Original Song category due to the incorporation of material from Jim Croce’s “I Got a Name.”
The soundtrack is available for streaming on platforms:
- Spotify and Apple Music
- Physical copies can be pre-ordered through various retailers, including Amazon
- Robbie Williams’ official store Better Man.
For a visual and auditory glimpse into the film’s music, you might find the official lyric video for “Forbidden Road” insightful:
About the film:
Better Man, chronicles Williams’ journey from his early days in the boy band Take That to his successful solo career, highlighting personal challenges such as struggles with addiction and the pressures of fame. Jonno Davies provides the motion-capture performance for the CGI chimpanzee representation of Williams, with Williams himself contributing the character’s voice.
Better Man premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on August 30, 2024, and was subsequently screened at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2024. It was theatrically released in Australia and the United Kingdom on December 26, 2024, and had a limited release in the United States on December 25, 2024, with a wider release scheduled for January 10, 2025.
The film has garnered positive reviews for its audacious and surreal approach to the biopic genre. Critics have noted that while it follows a traditional narrative arc, the portrayal of Williams as a CGI chimpanzee adds a unique and bold twist, offering a fresh perspective on his life and career.
Better Man has also achieved significant recognition in the film industry, receiving a record-breaking 16 nominations at the 2025 Australian Academy of Cinema Television Arts (AACTA) Awards, underscoring its impact and acclaim within the cinematic community.