Following the stardom and complex legacy left by the King of Pop, fans and skeptics alike wondered how a single film could capture the true essence of Michael Jackson. Nevertheless, the highly anticipated Michael biopic was released in theaters on April 24, 2026. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film offered a stunning, electric tribute to the icon’s legacy.
The movie begins with a flashback to Jackson’s younger days in the 1960s as a key member of the Jackson 5. Sitting in the theater, I found myself singing and grooving along to songs like “ABC” and “I’ll Be There.” Juliano Valdi beautifully recreated the young star’s striking vocals, cementing him as a one-of-a-kind vocalist. Coupled with nostalgic performances, however, was a lens into the abuse Jackson and his siblings faced by his father and manager, Joe Jackson. These contrasting scenes created a heartfelt viewing experience for many audience members and me, offering true insight into an aspect often glossed over in discussions of child stars.
A major plot point is a battle between Jackson and Joe. As he grows older and more independent, he yearns to break free from the Jackson 5 and boost his solo career. Joe, however, is adamantly against this, as Jackson’s departure would lead to the demise of their musical empire. Amidst this tension, the movie provides comforting relief through warm characters like Jackson’s mom, Katherine, played beautifully by Nia Long. The biopic also made a point of showcasing Jackson’s immense love for animals, leading to hilarious scenes with giraffes, llamas, and chimpanzees.
Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of his uncle is nothing less than brilliant. He is able to balance traits and topics that are hard to convey, especially from such a well-known figure. His ability to mimic Jackson’s famous dance moves was spot on and made the movie that much more admirable. Performances such as “Bad,” “Dirty Diana,” and “Smooth Criminal” left my friends and me feeling like we were in a concert, and not an AMC theater.
With its focus on Jackson’s creative genius and triumphs, Michael also showcases a protagonist who constantly struggles with his own perfectionism as he becomes the most famous star on the planet. Notably, the film chooses to focus on his personal battles, such as his vitiligo and race-based insecurities, which contributed to his changing appearance over time. Still, the film emphasizes Jackson’s influence as a pioneer who broke racial barriers in the music industry.
Audiences are greeted by familiar faces, including Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones and Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy, as well as the younger versions of the Jackson brothers. The film overall focuses on Jackson’s internal drive. It is an ode to the musician and portrays him in a positive light. His character develops beautifully as he goes from a shy, gifted boy to a self-assured visionary, overcoming the isolation that comes with fame.
Despite seemingly glossing over many parts of the narrative and omitting many of the more polarizing controversies of his later career, this nearly three-hour musical journey makes it easy for audiences to tune in. With its gorgeous visuals, costumes, and vocals, Michael kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. When “Human Nature” was performed in the film, it truly felt like I was there, singing and dancing along to the beautiful beat.
Michael impressively balances detailed choreography and emotional nostalgia, creating a must-watch for die-hard fans and newcomers alike.
