BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY WILL ROCK YOU

The new biopic about acclaimed British rock band Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody, is absolutely sensational. Directed by Bryan Singer, it is written by Anthony McCarten, produced by Graham King and former Queen manager Jim Beach, and stars Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury, with Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, Joseph Mazzello, Aidan Gillen, Tom Hollander, Allen Leech, and Mike Myers in supporting roles. Queen band members Brian May and Roger Taylor served as creative consultants on the film.

Bohemian Rhapsody covers the period from Queen’s creation in the 1970s until the famous Live Aid concert in 1985, with a beautifully remastered soundtrack featuring both raw studio cuts and live recordings from real concerts. From seeing how the world-renowned song Bohemian Rhapsody was created, to Freddie’s admission of his illness to his bandmates – or self-proclaimed family – Bohemian Rhapsody covers poignant Queen moments, giving some much-craved insight for avid fans of the band, while taking you for a nostalgic whirl with the music that made you. As someone whose parents raised me on Queen, to say I was mesmerised is an understatement and I’ve already planned when I’m going to go and see Bohemian Rhapsody again.

Rami Malek’s come a long way since Mr. Robot. Malek as Mercury is truly, fabulously outstanding and positively owns this film with his on-stage energy, 200 degrees of sex appeal and oozing charisma.  Malek also perfectly balances the stage star and sex icon with the large-toothed loner and sexually confused recluse none of us fans ever saw. Can you think of anything more terrifying for Malek than playing Mr Fahrenheit himself on the big screen, undoubtedly in direct scrutiny of millions of people who saw and loved Freddie while he was alive? Those worried or skeptical need not be; Malek freaking nails it. The portrayals of other Queen band members Brian May and Roger Taylor are also particularly apt, with Gwilym Lee’s uncanny likeliness to May and Ben Hardy’s rugged rockstar persona down pat.

The aesthetic of 70s and 80s Britain, in both costume and set, is flawlessly recreated in this film, surely providing a whiff of reminiscence for rock’n’rollers of yesteryear. The Live Aid set was even recreated from scratch to bring the feel of the concert to life! A truly moving film for both the soul and your feet, you’ll be head banging, hand clapping, feet tapping, and singing along to all of Queen’s classic cult favourites, likely with joy in your heart but tears in your eyes.

Although the film very much focusses on the conception and rise to stardom of the band rather than the untimely death of Freddie, you can’t help but mourn the loss of losing such an electrifying person to such a cruel disease. This film is both a touching tribute to one of music’s biggest icons, and likely, a cathartic release for Queen’s remaining three band members.

With themes of friendship, freedom, finding your identity and making the most of every moment, Bohemian Rhapsody has got to be this year’s biggest film, and a must-see for Queen fans and non-fans alike. Because if you’re not a Queen fan, you definitely will be after seeing this film.

See Bohemian Rhapsody in cinemas from November 1.