Article Text

Michael delivers an emotional and visually striking portrait of Michael Jackson, powered by convincing performances and electrifying recreations of his music. Although the first part of the long-awaited biopic omits important people and events, its strongest scenes capture both the superstar onstage and the isolated person behind the fame.

Jaafar Jackson, Jackson’s real-life nephew, plays the singer for most of the film. His performance extends well beyond their family resemblance, incorporating Jackson’s voice, mannerisms and confidence without slipping into parody. Juliano Valdi is equally impressive as the young Michael, carrying some of the movie’s most difficult emotional scenes.

The film does not soften the pressure and abuse Michael endured from his father, Joe Jackson. Those moments expose the darker side of the entertainment industry and show how early fame affected him throughout his life.

Michael’s isolation also runs through the story. In one scene, he asks his brothers to play Twister, but they dismiss the game as childish. The exchange underscores the growing distance between him and his family. Scenes featuring the many animals he adopted—including a chimpanzee, giraffes and llamas—further suggest that he often found companionship more easily with animals than with people.

Music is central to the film, with “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and other major songs woven into the narrative. The recreated concert sequences feel energetic, while the soundtrack combines Jaafar Jackson’s live vocals with Michael Jackson’s original recordings. Jaafar sings during a cappella moments, while the performance scenes rely on his uncle’s recorded voice.

Away from the stage, Michael is portrayed as humble, awkward and soft-spoken. His personality shifts in rehearsals and recording sessions, where he becomes intensely focused and certain about his artistic decisions. The film presents that confidence without turning it into arrogance.

The biopic is not entirely accurate or complete. Some relationships and storylines were shortened or removed, leaving out people and memories that longtime fans may consider essential. Diana Ross and Janet Jackson declined to be portrayed, and their absence makes parts of the story feel incomplete.

Even with those omissions, Michael succeeds as an entertaining and affecting biopic. Its performances, music and intimate portrayal of Jackson make it a powerful theatrical experience—and an emotional one likely to leave some viewers reaching for tissues.