Michael: A successful biopic, or just plain Bad? 

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael follows a young Michael Jackson, played by the extraordinarily talented Juliano Valdi, as he first finds fame as part of the Jackson 5. The film tracks the evolution of Jackson’s career up to the Bad tour in the late 1980s. It is a sweeping biopic, showcasing the steep rise of the global phenomenon through a run of successful albums.

Jaafar Jackson does an excellent job at bringing the figure to life. His mannerisms and voice are, in my opinion, spot on. It is difficult to watch the extended performance scenes and not feel like you are watching the real Jackson perform.

Jackson’s concerts and music videos … serve as a reminder of the level of craft taken to produce the kind of iconography that Jackson was famous for

Speaking of the performances, the film spends a lot of time staging Jackson’s concerts and music videos, sometimes lingering for too long on these beats to the detriment of the storyline. Nevertheless, these moments serve as a reminder of the level of craft taken to produce the kind of iconography that Jackson was famous for. Michael’s invocation of these images is perhaps a testament to how important they were to build the legendary superstar. And, of course, it provides exactly what the fans want.

Image: Glen Wilson / © 2026 Lionsgate

We see a lot about Jackson’s childhood (or lack of). Colman Domingo plays Joseph Jackson, Jackson’s abusive father. He pushes his sons into a music career with relentless practices and performances, even though Jackson is only ten at the time. Some have criticised Domingo’s performance as a caricature of the abusive parent. In some respects, though, I think it is important that he is not given too much nuance. Abusers have reasons for why they act how they do, but that is not the story that needs to be told – the focus here lies instead with how this impacted Jackson.

Peter Bradshaw, writing for The Guardian, criticises the shallowness of Michael, stating that the film “can’t quite bring itself to show that Michael was an abuse victim, brutalised by his father and robbed of his childhood.” I would argue, however, that the film does exactly that, faithfully depicting the emotional and physical abuse he was subjected to by his father. Jackson’s consequential preoccupation with childish hobbies as an adult is a response to this, as he indulges in everything he could not do in his childhood. These moments are sometimes humorous but mostly quite heart-breaking.

Michael refuses to stage the complicated, preferring to leave Jackson as an almost mythical and untouchable international success

A big talking point of the film is what is left out, most notably the accusations of child sexual abuse. According to Variety, the film originally had a third act that featured the allegations against Jackson, but this was scrapped after a clause was found which barred any mention of an accuser, Jordan Chandler, in any film. Michael would have been a very different film had this been left in. Its absence, however, leaves lasting questions and fails to encapsulate the problems of Jackson’s later life. By ending the film before these accusations occur, Michael refuses to stage the complicated, preferring to leave Jackson as an almost mythical and untouchable international success.

Image: Courtesy of Lionsgate / © 2026 Lionsgate

Michael also oversimplifies its cast. The other members of the Jackson 5 are made insignificant, whilst Janet Jackson declined to be part of the film. There is no mention of Diana Ross, who was supposedly integral to the making of Jackson’s career: her relationship with Jackson was the subject of much speculation. Actress Kat Graham, who was cast as Ross, wrote on social media that her scenes were cut from the film.

Despite its complications, Michael has delighted many fans. With its constant Jackson soundtrack and enthusiastic displays of his performances, it provides an encapsulation of what so many people admire about the singer. The film has inspired a buzz on social media, with many people showing off Jackson-inspired outfits. It is clear to see that his appeal has not died down.

For any fan of Jackson’s music, Michael is definitely worth watching. For anyone else, the film will not be nearly as impactful and will likely raise more questions. There are always issues with biopics, and Michael is no different. It enshrines the legend of Michael Jackson, and it does little to deconstruct this image.

★★★★