Antoine Fuquaâs Michael attempts to distill Michael Jacksonâs life into a two-hour spectacle, centering on his Gary, Indiana beginnings, the Jackson 5 rise, and the intense control of his father while balancing intimate family drama. Strong lead performances by Juliano Valdi and Jaafar Jackson anchor the film, supported by Colman Domingoâs chilling Joe and Nia Longâs steady Katherine. While it delivers dazzling visuals, production design, and emotional moments, the screenplay leans into safety and leaves key complexities and controversies underexplored. The result is a vibrant, crowd-pleasing portrait that hints at a broader story still to be told, with a sequel teased as a real possibility. The film suggests the King of Popâs legacy may require more than one chapter to fully capture its scope.
Dive Deeper:
The film follows Michael Jacksonâs life from his early years with the Jackson 5 in Gary, Indiana, through his ascent to superstardom, highlighting the coercive father figure Joe Jackson and the evolving mother-daughter-like tension with Katherine.
Juliano Valdi and Jaafar Jackson deliver performances that embody Michaelâs charisma and vulnerability, with Valdi conveying youthful charm and yearning, and Jaafar capturing nuanced quirks and a raw desire for authentic connection.
Colman Domingo portrays Joe Jackson with menace and subtlety, balancing cruelty with a facade of family purpose, while Nia Long as Katherine provides a grounded counterpoint that anchors the family dynamics; their scenes are among the filmâs strongest.
The production excels in craftsmanshipâhair, makeup, costumes, and production designâcreating a visually immersive era experience that compensates for a screenplay that some readers find safe and uneven in tone.
Key milestones are dramatized (e.g., the Thriller era and the Pepsi incident), but the film omits certain controversies, notably child abuse allegations, and the original four-hour cut suggests much material was left on the floor.
Ending on a high note with a Marvel-style tease of a return, the film acknowledges potential sequels and hints at exploring Michaelâs solo career, though critics caution the current installment feels incomplete and overly sanitized.
Released in 2026 with a 130-minute runtime, the film underscores a trend in musical biopics toward family-focused drama; while not redefining the genre, it refines it enough to anticipate audience interest in a follow-up.