“Michael” Delivers Powerful Performances and a Stunning, Breath-Stealing Finale
Published: 23.04.2026
Reading time: 2.8 minutes
The long-awaited biopic Michael from Lionsgate and Universal Studios arrives with immense expectations, and while the film itself may not fully escape the familiar rhythms of the music-biopic genre, it delivers something undeniably powerful at its core: a star-making performance from Jaafar Jackson.
Portraying his legendary uncle, Jackson does far more than mimic – he channels. From the smallest vocal inflections to the electrifying physicality of the stage performances, his embodiment of Michael Jackson feels almost uncanny.
Critics have widely praised the performance for its precision and emotional authenticity, with many calling it the film’s defining strength. There is a magnetic quality to his presence that carries the film through its more conventional storytelling beats, reminding viewers why Jackson became a once-in-a-generation global phenomenon.
Equally compelling is Colman Domingo as Joseph Jackson. Domingo brings a fierce intensity to the role, portraying the patriarch as both domineering and deeply formative. His performance injects the film with emotional weight, particularly in the family dynamics that shaped Michael’s early years.
It’s a portrayal that is difficult to look away from: layered, commanding, and at times unsettling in its honesty. Even among a strong supporting cast, Domingo stands out as a dramatic anchor.
An honorary mention must also go to Juliano Valdi, who portrays Michael Jackson in his childhood years. His performance is nothing short of remarkable, capturing a rare blend of innocence, vulnerability, and that unmistakable spark that would later define a global icon.
Valdi brings a sense of purity and emotional clarity to the role, embodying a child whose talent feels both natural and extraordinary; a diamond-like brightness that shines through every scene he inhabits. It’s a deeply affecting portrayal that lays a heartfelt foundation for the legend that follows.
Director Antoine Fuqua leans heavily into spectacle, and understandably so. The musical sequences are vibrant and meticulously crafted, recreating iconic moments with a sense of scale and reverence. The film follows Jackson’s rise from child prodigy to global superstar, focusing on the years that defined his artistic legacy. While the narrative occasionally feels streamlined, the energy of the performances ensures that the film rarely loses momentum.
Perhaps the most striking – and divisive – choice comes in the film’s final moments. Just as the story seems poised to transition into a deeper, more complex chapter, it stops. Abruptly. The ending lands like a held breath that is never released, cutting to black with a bold sense of incompletion. It is an undeniably effective cliffhanger, one that leaves audiences stunned, but also slightly deprived. In its refusal to offer resolution, the film feels both daring and, in a way, cruel, as a deliberate decision that lingers long after the credits roll.
Ultimately, while Michael may not be the definitive portrait of its subject, it succeeds where it matters most: in capturing the essence of a performer who changed music forever.
Review by Violet George // TalentNews
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