Bohemian Rhapsody

Directed by Bryan Singer | Biography, Drama | 2h 13m

The biopic of late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, Bryan Singer’s Bohemian Rhapsody is nothing if not good entertainment. Filled with iconic Queen songs, gorgeous costuming, and a loveable cast, this film is a good time from start to finish. It skillfully keeps the audience entertained, without veering into plotless territory. Many films like this opt to sacrifice plot, character, and meaning for the sake of fun – however, Bohemian Rhapsody isn’t one of them.

Rami Malek, who stars in the film as Mercury, is not only an excellent showman, but also plays the role with a heartbreaking sincerity. Bearing a striking resemblance to the late singer is one thing, but capturing Mercury’s essence on-screen is another – Malek skillfully balances Mercury’s larger-than-life on-stage presence, while also portraying Mercury’s vulnerabilities, insecurities, and personal struggles with dignity and grace. Where Bohemian Rhapsody most notably succeeds is in its ability to emotionally invest its audience in the lives of each of the characters, and the relationships they have with each other. Ben Hardy delivers a stand-out performance as Queen drummer Roger Taylor, particularly when teasing out the tense relationship between Taylor and Mercury.

Queen was world-renowned for their active relationship with their audience: whether it was the stomp stomp clap of “We Will Rock You,” or Mercury’s call and response of ‘A-YO.’ What is truly remarkable about Bohemian Rhapsody is the film’s ability to make the filmgoing audience feel as though they themselves are in the crowd at a Queen concert. Though sitting in a darkened theatre, Malek makes the filmgoer feel just as involved with his performance as Mercury once made thousands of people in sold-out stadiums feel.

Bohemian Rhapsody is a truly heartwarming, feel-good film – but don’t expect to leave the theatre with dry eyes.