Film critics have broadly criticised the new Michael Jackson biopic Michael, describing it as a “whitewashed” and overly sanitised portrayal of the singer’s life and career.
The film stars Jaafar Jackson, the late pop icon’s nephew, as Michael Jackson. It traces his journey from his early fame with the Jackson 5 through to his rise as a global solo superstar. The movie features Jackson’s original vocals and is backed by his estate, with musical performances taking up a large portion of the runtime.
However, many reviewers have taken issue with the film’s handling of Jackson’s legacy, particularly its decision not to address sexual abuse allegations made against him. According to reports, references to these allegations were removed during production following legal concerns linked to a previous non-disclosure agreement, resulting in reshoots and a revised ending that stops before the controversies of the 1990s and 2000s.
Several major outlets were highly critical. The Guardian described the film as formulaic and shallow, suggesting it resembles a “music-movie cliché” and lacks emotional depth. The Independent called it a “soulless cash grab,” arguing that it reduces Jackson to a carefully packaged product rather than a fully realised human figure. The Telegraph also criticised the film for avoiding key controversies, stating it fails to acknowledge the most serious aspects of Jackson’s later life.
Other reviewers echoed concerns about the film’s lack of engagement with difficult subject matter, with some arguing that omitting the allegations makes the portrayal incomplete and less credible as a biopic. Critics also noted that the film leans heavily on recreating famous performances and visuals rather than offering new insight into Jackson’s personal life.
Despite the criticism, some reviewers were more positive about the film’s entertainment value. Jaafar Jackson’s performance received widespread praise, with several critics noting his strong resemblance to his uncle and his convincing portrayal of Jackson’s stage presence and dance style. Some described the musical sequences as energetic and engaging, highlighting them as the film’s strongest element.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael joins a long list of recent music biopics about major artists including Queen, Elton John, Elvis Presley, and others. While some reviewers said the film will appeal strongly to fans of Jackson’s music, others argued it contributes to a trend of biopics that prioritise spectacle over depth.
Overall, the response has been mixed to negative, with praise for performance and music but sustained criticism over its perceived avoidance of controversy and lack of narrative depth.
