Discovering the King of Pop: A Gen Z take on the Michael Jackson biopic

For many people, Michael Jackson has been a household name since the 1960s. But for those of us born in the 2000s, discovering him felt almost like uncovering a myth everyone else already understood.

I first heard about Michael Jackson in the early 2010s while in lower primary school. During a lunch break, some classmates organised an impromptu Michael Jackson dance competition. One boy had perfected the moonwalk so well that the rest of us stood there completely stunned. From that moment, I became curious about the man behind the famous moves.

As I grew older, I began learning more about him and quickly realised that beyond the legend was an ordinary human being. He went to school, did homework, fell in love, got married and became a father. It felt strange discovering that someone so larger-than-life also lived through the same everyday experiences as everyone else.

The new Michael Jackson biopic captures that contrast effectively, tracing the singer’s journey from his childhood days in the The Jackson 5 to the rise of his solo career. Director Antoine Fuqua delivers a visually engaging production, supported by a cast that convincingly embodies the iconic figures they portray.

One of the film’s biggest strengths is Jaafar Jackson, whose portrayal of his uncle feels remarkably authentic. His performance goes beyond imitation; it captures Michael’s mannerisms, stage presence and emotional vulnerability in a way that gives the film genuine heart.

Watching the film in a packed cinema was an experience in itself. Audience members sang along to classic songs, laughed at lighter moments and even danced during performance scenes. At one point, a man near the front recreated the famous “Billie Jean” routine, complete with the moonwalk. It was chaotic, nostalgic and oddly touching all at once. In that moment, it became clear that Michael Jackson was more than just a musician; he was a cultural phenomenon.

The film also highlights some of the more unusual aspects of his life, including his famous pet monkey, Bubbles. For younger viewers like myself, these details help humanise a figure who has often seemed almost fictional due to decades of media attention and myth-making.

Still, despite its strengths, the biopic leaves a few noticeable gaps. Several important moments and relationships from Michael Jackson’s later life are either rushed or omitted altogether. Janet Jackson’s absence is particularly noticeable, considering her significance both within the family and in music history. The film also spends little time exploring Michael’s creative partnership with legendary producer Quincy Jones, a collaboration that helped shape some of the biggest albums of his career.

Even so, the film sets a strong standard for future music biopics. Careful casting, detailed research and attention to historical accuracy all contribute to its success. Unlike some productions that sacrifice authenticity for spectacle, this film largely respects the story it is telling.

For fans of musical biopics, or younger audiences looking to better understand why Michael Jackson remains such an influential figure decades later, the film is well worth watching.