The Filmscape Reverie

By: Maria Cieslarczyk

Hee Hee Hee! I could not stop dancing in my seat while watching Antoine Fuqua’s musical biopic Michael (2026) with my family. 

The film had such a stunning rendition of the world’s most famous singer, starring Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson playing the lead role himself. Even my 88-year-old grandmother was crying and swaying to the 70s and 80s hit songs like ABC, Billie Jean, Thriller, and Bad.

Growing up, my mom and my grandma were MJ fans for sure, to the point that they’d sing along whenever one of the classics played in whatever film my sister Zofia and I were watching. The impact of the Jackson 5 and particularly, Michael Jackson himself, transcends generations, which proves the power of music to connect people from all sorts of life. 

As a Filipino-American, music is an important aspect of my identity. Karaoke is a tradition often held at family and community events, as it allows an outlet for creativity and positivity, especially for hard-working immigrant turned US citizen conclaves. Singing songs keeps me connected to my culture, so I love how this film focuses on the importance of music in bringing peace, love, and togetherness to people all over the world. There even is a scene in which Michael hears of LA’s gang violence and brings real members from opposing gangs (particularly rival Crips and Bloods crews) together to help with his 1983 music video “Beat It.” 

However, my favorite part about this beautifully done film is the way that it follows Michael’s journey from his humble beginnings as a poor boy from Gary, Indiana to his family’s success in the Jackson 5, to signing with Motown Records, moving to LA, and establishing his own identity and creative freedom as a solo artist. The film captures the essence of his beginnings to his 20s.

At the start of the biopic, we see Michael as a very young boy rehearsing with his older brothers at their house with his strict father, Joe Jackson, taking charge and disciplining him. The reality of our beloved icon’s hardship is brought to light right away…but so is his raw talent. Audiences fawn over Michael’s natural voice and pretty soon, a creative assistant discovers the Jackson 5 during a performance at a Chicago theater. 

The film explores their rags-to-riches story but also doesn’t shy away from the ongoing battle of freedom and artistic expression between Michael and his father. 

To give credit where it’s due, Joe Jackson did successfully manage his children’s stardom. However, the main conflict throughout the film is when Michael reaches early adulthood and must break free from his father’s ideas to pursue his own artistic style and write his own songs.

As a writer, I find it extremely fascinating watching Michael’s creative process. He’d write mantras on sticky notes to remind himself of who he was and to manifest his destiny. I also love how he found inspiration in daily practices, like spending time with his many animals (including his pet chimpanzee, Bubbles) and watching cartoons and movies with his mother. 

Michael’s solo debut is legendary, and Jafaar blows me away with his talent in replicating his uncle’s unique persona and unbeatable dance moves. Watching the film is like watching a concert – it is so vibrant and also showcases a replication of the fans’ honest reactions, including many crying and fainting audience members. 

With that level of fame, the film still explored Michael’s authenticity and how much he cared about the people who supported and loved him. It shows the positives too apart from his loneliness as a star, including his visit with different burn victims. He himself was a patient at an LA hospital after getting third-degree burns during an unfortunate performance promoting Pepsi. He and his bodyguard, Bill Bray, had a close relationship and we see Bill loving Michael’s kind and soft nature as they buy toys together to donate to children in need.

Disclaimer: the film did not go into any of the controversies and judgements towards the end of his life as it focuses only on Michael’s childhood through his 20s. There is a sequel in the works at Lionsgate and I am excited to see where it will go from there and to uncover more of Michael’s truth and story.

I highly recommend this film, both to Michael Jackson fans and new audiences alike. Even if you go into it without too much information on his artistic career and songs, I bet that you’d leave the theater as a fan of the late icon!