Review: Michael

It is remarkable to consider that pop icon Michael Jackson passed away nearly two decades ago (on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50). I remember driving through Los Angeles at the time and witnessing the immediate outpouring of grief as the news broke over the radio; the city seemed to come to a collective standstill. For those who grew up in the 1980s, Jackson was a cultural North Star—an artist whose presence was ubiquitous in a media landscape far less fragmented than today’s. While contemporary artists like Taylor Swift may achieve comparable sales figures (depending on modern metrics), Jackson’s reach felt more universal. It is likely that anyone who lived through that era can hum at least one of his melodies. This isn’t necessarily a commentary on artistic merit, but rather an illustration of his immense global footprint. In an era before the internet, radio and television were the gatekeepers of culture, and Jackson dominated those platforms, from the groundbreaking Billie Jean to the high-profile music videos of the 90s like Black & White (featuring Home Alone‘s Macaulay Culkin).

A high-profile Hollywood biopic was inevitable. The project was placed in capable hands, with the team behind acclaimed hits like Bohemian Rhapsody and the Elton John dramatization Rocketman. The film Michael has already set records as the highest-grossing biopic of all time globally, drawing nearly 300,000 cinema-goers in Sweden alone—a significant achievement in a market where many films struggle to surpass 50,000 tickets. The production has faced some scrutiny, largely because Jackson’s family and his attorney, John Branca, serve as producers (with the notable exception of Janet Jackson, who remains absent from both the narrative and the production team). Direction is handled by the veteran Antoine Fuqua (Training Day), while Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, provides an eerily accurate portrayal that anchors this high-gloss Hollywood production.

But does the film offer enough depth?

The Plot of Michael (2026)

To distinguish it from the 1996 film of the same name, we must specify the title as Michael (2026). The narrative begins in 1960s Gary, Indiana, where a young Michael (Juliano Valdi) and his brothers are subjected to rigorous and exhausting rehearsals by their demanding father, Joseph “Joe” Jackson (Colman Domingo). Amidst his father’s harsh disciplinary style, Michael finds an emotional anchor in his mother, Katherine Jackson (Nia Long). The brothers’ talent quickly propels them to major stages, eventually securing a contract with Motown Records under the guidance of Berry Gordy (Larenz Tate).

As The Jackson 5 achieve global stardom, it becomes clear that Michael (portrayed as an adult by Jaafar Jackson) possesses a unique musical vision and charisma that necessitates a solo career. Supported by his attorney John Branca (Miles Teller), CBS Records executive Walter Yetnikoff (Mike Myers), and legendary producer Quincy Jones (Kendrick Sampson), he ascends to unprecedented creative and commercial heights.

In many ways, Michael follows the blueprint established by the biopics mentioned earlier. It is a lavish, well-acted production that utilizes classic “underdog” storytelling tropes. However, it notably avoids delving deeply into the darker aspects of Jackson’s life—a point of recurring criticism. During my screening with my children (aged 10 and 8), they were captivated by the music and recognized several tracks (Smooth Criminal being a particular highlight). The fact that the film resonates with a younger audience speaks to its accessibility, but also highlights its lack of narrative friction. Jackson was a musical genius, yet he remains one of history’s most complex and controversial figures. While the film addresses his cosmetic surgeries and attributes his skin condition to vitiligo, it avoids his more tumultuous personal relationships and legal allegations entirely. The story concludes in the late 1980s during the Bad world tour. Whether this was to focus on his professional peak or to avoid the controversies that surfaced in the 90s is up for debate. Given the film’s massive box-office success, sequels are likely being discussed; however, it remains to be seen if the Jackson estate would support a follow-up that explores the more complicated chapters of his legacy.

Picture and Sound on the UHD 4K Release

A music-driven biopic of this caliber is exactly why the UHD 4K Blu-ray format exists. From the opening frames, the viewer is immersed in Jackson’s world. The Dolby Vision transfer, lensed by Oscar-winning cinematographer Dion Beebe (Chicago), is stunning, transitioning seamlessly from the muted tones of Indiana to the vibrant, high-contrast stages of global stardom. The black levels and color accuracy are exceptional, particularly during the recreation of the Thriller video. The Dolby Atmos soundtrack is equally impressive; through our reference Acoustic Energy and REL speaker system, the low-end provides a visceral impact while maintaining clarity in the dialogue and intricate sound effects.

The disc also includes a welcome selection of bonus material. These features primarily consist of interviews with the cast, director, and producer Graham King, who provides an interesting look into the casting process for the lead role. The behind-the-scenes footage adds another layer of appreciation for the production’s scale and attention to detail.

Summary

Michael is a polished and highly entertaining music biopic that excels in production value. The cinematography, sound design, costumes, and makeup (which is a strong contender for an Academy Award) are all top-tier. The performances are equally strong; Colman Domingo is excellent as Joe Jackson (continuing an impressive streak following The Running Man, Dead Man’s Wire, and Wicked). Jaafar Jackson delivers a transformative performance, effectively capturing his uncle’s essence while blending his own vocals with Michael’s original recordings. While the film lacks the complexity and grit required to be a definitive portrait, it remains a high-quality cinematic experience. For home theater enthusiasts and fans of “The King of Pop,” this superb UHD 4K release comes highly recommended.

SF Studios provided a review copy for this feature. This did not influence our editorial judgment; our reviews remain independent and focused on providing objective value to our readers.