An enjoyable film with a plot that falls flat at times, let’s dive into Bohemian Rhapsody.

The biopic takes us into the foot stomping, fast paced world of Queen. Set primarily in the 80s, Rhapsody is based on true events of the band’s formation and performance at the 1985 Live Aid concert. The film not only follows the trials and tribulations of Queen but analyzes the band’s lead singer, Freddie Mercury, in detail. It showcases how Mercury shattered cultural norms to become not only an incredible artist but a musical icon.

Early on in the film, we see what would become Queen performing at a college dive bar. We also find a young Mercury (Rami Malek), who was known by his birth name of Farrokh Bulsara at the time, working at Heathrow Airport. He takes in a performance of this college band and likes what he hears. We then learn that the band’s lead singer – conveniently – leaves to pursue other ventures.

This creates the perfect opportunity for Mercury, who meets up with Bryan May and Roger Taylor (played by Gwilym Lee and Ben Hardy, respectively) to present the idea of becoming the band’s new lead singer. From there, Rhapsody – quite slowly, mind you – follows Queen’s evolution into an international phenomenon; all the way to an Earth-shattering performance at Live Aid.

All in all, this was a good film to watch. Malek is absolutely sensational as Mercury and should easily be a front runner in best acting categories come awards season. I’d also like to mention Hardy’s performance as Stone. I thought his portrayal was excellent – second only to Malek in fact – and really added personality to the film. The plot, for me, developed at a snail’s pace. It just fell a bit flat. Plot aside, Bohemian Rhapsody is definitely one to see, whether you are a diehard Queen fan, not, or somewhere in between.

I Give It An: A-