Better Man

What’s it about?

Better Man is based on the incredible journey of British pop superstar Robbie Williams: from his meteoric rise to fame, through a dramatic fall, to his remarkable comeback.

The facts

• Directed by Michael Gracey
• English language
• Runtime: 135 minutes
• In this semi-biopic, Robbie Williams is portrayed as a CGI chimpanzee created by Wētā FX.

Why did it get this rating?

This film was classified by Te Mana Whakaatu, Classification Office. You can find out more about the classification process and ratings here.

Drug use

At 15, Robbie begins smoking and drinking after joining the band Take That. He talks about feeling depressed, overwhelmed, and losing himself. After starting off on alcohol and Prozac, he progresses to harder drugs like cocaine, at one point stating he has a “raging cocaine habit”.

Scenes from his wildest days show Robbie snorting cocaine before and after public appearances, appearing high on stage. Pills, alcohol, and vomit are shown. At one point, he sits on a toilet, heats a substance in a spoon, and seems to inject himself however this is not detailed. After a couple of big life events occur, he spirals further, trashing his house and snorting cocaine off his kitchen bench.

Many of these scenes are shown in montages and are very brief. They show the dark side of substance abuse far more than any positive effects.

Offensive language

There is frequent use of offensive language in the film, including “f**k,” “sh*t,” “c**t” and “twat”. Robbie says phrases like “sh*t-eating twat”, “f**k off, ya tit” and “complete f**kin’ balls-up”, usually in a comedic way.

There are some sexual jokes throughout the film. For example, Robbie refers to the “shagging and boozing” involved with fame and says he was fortunate to be in Take That and “four out of five of the Spice Girls”.

Mental health themes

Robbie repeatedly mentions feeling inadequate and hating himself. To cope with fame, he turns to substance abuse and risky behaviours. At one point, he holds a razor blade, seemingly considering self-harm, but stops as uplifting music plays and a montage shows him entering rehab.

Youth Advisory Panel comments

A Youth Advisory Panel member found Robbie's near-suicide attempt, car drowning, and drug-fuelled downward spiral particularly impactful, evoking empathy through its mental health themes.

They noted the "monkey aspect" made some depictions less realistic. While the drug use was extensive, it was portrayed negatively, showing its self-destructive impact and likely deterring young viewers.

When content stays with you

The mental health themes in this film could be upsetting for some viewers, especially for those who have gone through similar experiences. If you are struggling with what you have seen on-screen please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk:

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?