[Trending News] Monkey Business: Robbie Williams Biopic 'Better Man' Gets Streaming Date

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Like the artist himself, Robbie Williams’ biopic Better Man largely flew under the radar with US audiences but caught hold online with a devout fanbase. The film cast Jonno Davies as a monkefied version of the former Take That star; if you missed it in theaters but want to see what the monkey business is all about, Paramount announced the film’s streaming date.

Where to Stream Better Man

Paramount announced that the Robbie Williams biopic will be streaming on Paramount+ starting March 11.

Williams rose to fame as a member of the pop group Take That in the 1990s before leaving the group to pursue a successful solo career in the UK, with hits like “Angels” and “Let Me Entertain You.” Better Man was directed by Michael Gracey, best known for The Greatest Showman. As for why Robbie Williams‘ story was best shared through a simian avatar, the artist explains in the trailer and film’s voiceover, “I want to show how I really see myself.”

Williams’ life, including his childhood, is depicted in CGI chimp form, with Jonno Davies as the voice and motion capture, Adam Tucker singing the vocals, and Williams himself narrating the story.

It’s been a surprisingly big year for Take That on the silver screen, as the Academy Awards’ Best Picture winner Anora opens with the band’s 2008 single “Greatest Day” (although that track was recorded after the band’s Robbie Williams era). Better Man was nominated for Best Visual Effects at the Oscars, with the trophy going to Dune: Part Two.

In the Rolling Stone review, film critic David Fear noted of Williams’ monkified version, “The self-deprecating notion stops feeling like a gimmick before the first act is done, and stops adding anything to the vibe until we get to Knebworth, which turns into Planet of the Apes outtake mid-concert as Williams fights his inner monkey demons to the death. As anyone who’s seen The Greatest Showman can tell you, Gracey excels at this kind of glorious excess, and you can’t say that he doesn’t make the most of this being a musical as much as it is a pop-star psychodrama.”

Does Paramount+ Have a Free Trial?

Paramount+ is available in two tiers: Paramount+ Essential and Paramount+ with Showtime, with the latter including Showtime, live CBS access, and ad-free content. Both tiers are available with a 7-day free trial. The streaming service includes the ever-expanding Taylor Sheridan TV universe, as well as content from MTV, Comedy Central, and more.