Rocketman (2019) stands out amongst musical biopics through favouring raw, unfiltered honesty over industry polish. Directed by Dexter Fletcher, the film recounts the life of Elton John, not by offering a straightforward timeline, but by reflecting the emotions behind the events that shaped him as an artist and public figure. What results from these directorial decisions is a biopic that feels deeply personal, uncomfortable at times, and remarkably sincere. Taron Egerton’s performance as Elton John aims to avoid exaggeration and imitation, most impressively by singing every song himself. Through this, Egerton brings an unfiltered quality to each performance, particularly in pivotal moments such as “Your Song” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” The music becomes more than entertainment as it operates as a form of confession, expressing emotions Elton often struggled to put into words when faced with the eyes of the public and press.

While Rocketman does incorporate stylised elements, it never loses sight of its core themes: rejection, addiction and the universal, human desire to be loved. The film places significant focus on Elton’s turbulent childhood and complicated relationships, such as his fleeting romance with John Reid, drawing attention to how early emotional loneliness can detrimentally impact adulthood, even amid global fame. These moments are handled with empathy, offering insight rather than overt judgement. What ultimately defines Rocketman is its humanity. Instead of ending in despair or oversimplified triumph, the film settles into something quieter and more meaningful, most importantly the theme of self acceptance and healing. It reminds audiences that reinvention and forgiveness are rarely dramatic, but they are, at its core, incredibly powerful. Overall, Rocketman succeeds not because of spectacle, but because it tells a truthful story about becoming whole after facing unexpected hardship.