There's always a level of scepticism that comes with music biopics, especially when you're dealing with someone as mythologised as Michael Jackson.
But 'Michael', directed by Antoine Fuqua, doesn't just attempt to capture the King of Pop, it leans heavily on performance to bring him back to life. And remarkably, it works.
The film's beating heart is undoubtedly Jaafar Jackson in his debut role.
It's clear he's immersed himself deeply in Jackson's artistry and persona, a move that will undoubtedly carry him through award season.
The film also shines in its earlier chapters, particularly through the performance of Juliano Krue Valdi as a young Michael during the Jackson 5 era.
There's a rawness and natural talent to his performance that genuinely feels like watching archival footage. He captures that youthful spark and discipline in a way that adds emotional weight to the story's foundation.
The emotional weight is further deepened through the portrayal of Joe Jackson, played by Colman Domingo. The film doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of the Jackson family dynamic, and at times, these scenes are genuinely difficult to watch.
Domingo delivers a particularly jarring performance; unsettling, complex and crucial in understanding the environment that shaped Michael and his brothers. It's a sobering counterbalance to the spectacle.
And make no mistake - this film thives on spectacle.
In a way that unsurprisingly echoes Bohemian Rhapsody, the concert sequences are where 'Michael' truly soars.
For those who never experienced Jackson at the height of his fame, these scenes feel like a time machine. Shot with a near frame-for-frame dedication to his real performances, they capture not just the sound, but the scale and energy of the shows.
The result is something close to communal, audiences visibly emotional, some even singing and dancing along as the film unfolds. It's less like watching a biopic and more like attending a concert.
'Michael' isn't without the familiar trappings of the genre, but when it leans into performance, both on stage and behind the scenes, it delivers something genuinely immersive.
Anchored by a truly transformative lead, it offers a powerful reminder of why Michael Jackson remains one of the most iconic performers in music history.
'Michael' hits cinemas across Ireland on Wednesday April 22nd.
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