At last, the Michael Jackson film is here! But something essential is missing…

In the golden age of biopics, many rightfully chanted the King of Pop’s name when Hollywood asked: who’s next? After a long wait, the Michael Jackson film has finally arrived but was it worth it?

Few films have had a longer or more troubled journey to the big screen than this biographical movie about Michael Jackson. The project had been sitting on the shelf for years, its realization repeatedly stalling likely due to the more sensitive aspects of the artist’s legacy. After countless struggles and legal disputes, the film finally received the green light, with none other than Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, cast in the lead role. Following such a turbulent road, fans can now finally head to the nearest cinema but will they leave satisfied? Our review reveals all.

Since Michael Jackson’s death, everyone has been waiting for his life to come alive on screen and that moment has finally arrived.

From The Jackson 5 to global fame

Don’t expect avant garde innovation from Michael; it doesn’t redefine the structure of biographical storytelling. The film rewinds all the way back to Jackson’s childhood, immediately showing the price of superstardom: we see young Michael gazing out the window at neighborhood kids playing, while he and his brothers rehearse relentlessly under the strict and often harsh discipline of their father, Joseph Jackson.

In fact, Michael could almost pass as a Jackson 5 biopic, as the group’s rise and eventual dissolution receive significant attention. These moments are frequently interrupted by concert montages, which serve as connective “mortar” in the film’s structure. Essentially, the story progresses from song to song, following Michael Jackson from childhood to the peak of his career, highlighting the most iconic milestones along the way.

Michael Jackson: one of a kind

In today’s internet slang, “aura” refers to someone’s charisma, coolness, and presence the kind of person who commands attention the moment they enter a room. Michael Jackson embodied this completely. Because of this, Jaafar Jackson had big shoes to fill.

Did he succeed? Honestly, not quite but it’s undeniable that he gave it his all, carrying the film alongside Colman Domingo.

That said, the use of CGI to enhance Jaafar’s resemblance to his uncle raises questions. While intended as support, it often backfires: his facial expressions can feel muted, and some of the emotional depth is lost. This isn’t the actor’s fault, but it does raise a larger concern is this the future of biopics?

Neverland: where everything seems perfect

Michael Jackson’s meticulously crafted Neverland Ranch featured everything from exotic animals to amusement rides. Yet, as the saying goes, no one addresses “the elephant in the room.”

One of the film’s biggest flaws is how carefully it avoids its most controversial subject: the allegations of child abuse that have long been associated with Jackson’s name. While he was acquitted in court, the issue remains deeply divisive. Many might have expected at least a subtle acknowledgment of these accusations but the film completely sidesteps them.

This is hardly surprising, given that the project was made with the Jackson family’s approval, and they have consistently rejected the claims presented in the documentary Leaving Neverland. The promotional tagline “from the producers of Bohemian Rhapsody” also hinted that strict historical accuracy wouldn’t be the priority much like the 2018 film that largely sanitized Queen’s story.

To the filmmakers’ credit, they put significant effort into recreating iconic performances and press photos almost frame for frame.

A concert experience in the cinema

But what if we set all that aside? Then Michael becomes one of the biggest parties of 2026. It’s nearly impossible to sit still while watching theaters around the world are bound to turn into spontaneous dance floors.

The family drama is portrayed quite effectively, largely thanks to Colman Domingo’s performance. Fans will also appreciate the behind the scenes glimpses of Jackson as a creative force, shown working with intense passion. Still, it’s questionable whether even the most dedicated fans will discover anything truly new here.

Ultimately, Michael doesn’t fully satisfy, but it certainly delivers on spectacle and entertainment.

After Michael, comes Jackson?

Michael won’t appeal to everyone. However, for those seeking a nostalgic trip back to the days of watching MTV for hours on end, it delivers exactly what they want.

For viewers left with a sense of incompleteness, there is some hope: a sequel is already in the works, picking up at the peak of Jackson’s career. Tentatively titled Jackson, it may attempt to address the gaps left by its predecessor though expectations should remain cautious.