‘Michael’ Review: A Powerful, Imperfect, and Nearly Spiritual Celebration That May Leave You Wanting More

By Klep Napier| Wearecritix.com

There are movie reviews, and then there are experiences that feel almost necessary to talk about. Michael, Antoine Fuqua’s long-awaited biopic on the King of Pop, falls somewhere in between. This is not simply a film you watch and move on from. It’s one you sit with, one that lingers, especially if you understand the cultural weight Michael Jackson carried and continues to carry across generations. At the same time, it’s also a film that asks for patience and perspective. In my case, it demanded more than one viewing to fully appreciate what it’s trying to accomplish beneath the surface.

A Story We Thought We Knew… But Didn’t

At first glance, Michael follows a structure that feels familiar. The film traces Jackson’s journey from his early years with the Jackson 5 into his emergence as a solo artist, touching on defining eras like Off the Wall, Thriller, and then barely pushing deeper into the Bad period. These are the milestones many viewers expect, and on the surface, they’re all here. However, what becomes clear over time is that the film is less concerned with checking every box and more focused on exploring the emotional weight behind those moments.

That realization didn’t hit immediately. During my first viewing, there was a lingering feeling that something was missing. Like many people, I grew up with The Jacksons: An American Dream, which offered a sweeping, detailed portrayal of Michael’s rise and the family dynamics that shaped him. That project set a high bar for what a Michael Jackson story could look like on screen. So walking into this film, I thought I already understood the blueprint. It wasn’t until my second viewing that it became clear this film isn’t trying to replicate that approach. Instead, it chooses to peel back layers and ask a different question entirely: what did it actually feel like to live that life?

That question is where Michael begins to separate itself. Rather than simply documenting success, the film leans into the emotional and psychological impact of fame, especially for someone who never experienced a traditional childhood. There’s a sense of constant movement, of a life unfolding at a pace that never allows for reflection. It’s in those quieter, more introspective moments where the film finds its strongest footing, offering glimpses into a version of Michael that audiences may not have fully considered before.

The Music Isn’t Just Heard… It’s Felt

The music is the heartbeat of this film, and it’s where Michael truly elevates itself beyond a standard biopic. While many films in this genre rely on recognition and nostalgia, this one leans into immersion. The performances are not treated as background moments but as defining experiences that shape the emotional rhythm of the story.

Watching these sequences unfold, especially in a theater setting, creates an energy that feels closer to a live concert than a traditional film. The connection between the screen and the audience becomes immediate and undeniable. There is a shared reaction that builds throughout the film, as viewers respond to songs they know by heart and moments that feel deeply familiar.

That sense of collective experience is what makes the film stand out. It’s not just about hearing the music again. It’s about feeling it in a space where everyone else is feeling it too. At its best, the experience reaches a level that feels almost spiritual, not because it’s exaggerated, but because of how deeply it resonates.

Watch Our Full Video Review

Want to experience the full breakdown and reaction to Michael? Watch our complete video review below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgqWuMpOQdk

Performances That Anchor the Film

The success of a biopic often rests on its performances, and Michael delivers in ways that feel both expected and surprising. Jafar Jackson steps into the role of his uncle with a level of precision that goes beyond imitation. His performance captures not only the physicality but the presence of Michael Jackson, creating moments where the line between actor and icon becomes almost invisible.

Still, the most commanding performance in the film comes from Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson. His portrayal carries a weight that drives much of the film’s tension, bringing complexity to a figure often defined by control and authority. Rather than reducing the character to a single dimension, Domingo adds layers that make his presence both impactful and essential to the story.

Supporting performances from Nia Long, Miles Teller, and Mike Myers help round out the narrative, each contributing in ways that support the larger picture without pulling focus. Keilyn Durrell-Jones also delivers a quietly effective performance as Michael’s bodyguard, offering a grounded perspective that adds subtle depth to the film’s portrayal of Michael’s world.

Not Perfect, But It May Leave You Wanting More

Michael is not without its flaws, and those imperfections become more noticeable as the story unfolds. There are moments where the film feels like it is holding back, where certain ideas are introduced but not fully explored. It creates a sense that there is more beneath the surface, more that could have been unpacked if given the space.

That’s where the feeling of wanting more begins to take shape. It is not rooted in disappointment, but in the recognition of untapped potential. The film opens doors that it does not fully walk through, leaving behind emotional threads and narrative questions that linger long after the credits roll.

At the same time, this restraint plays into something larger. Much of the film is structured as a celebration, leaning into the music, the legacy, and the moments that defined Michael Jackson’s career. Because of that, there is an underlying sense that the story is building toward something heavier, something more emotionally complex that has yet to fully arrive. That contrast between celebration and what feels like an inevitable shift gives the film a unique weight, suggesting that what we are seeing may only be part of a larger narrative.

Even without fully delivering that shift, the film plants the idea firmly enough to leave an impression. It ensures that what it does present carries impact, and that the experience stays with you long after it ends.

Final Verdict

If you are a fan of Michael Jackson, this is an experience that will resonate on a deeper level. If you are less familiar, it serves as a compelling introduction to why his influence remains unmatched. It may not be perfect, but it is powerful, emotionally engaging, and at times unforgettable.

'MICHAEL' hits theaters April 24.