Bohemian Rhapsody Movie Review (2018)

A music biopic following the rise of Queen and frontman Freddie Mercury, Bohemian Rhapsody is a crowd-pleasing film with excellent performances, energetic musical montages, and songs that make the entire story feel alive.

I have been a huge Queen fan for many decades now. When I first watched Wayne’s World in the movie theater in 1992, that was the first time I’d heard Bohemian Rhapsody. I think that was the case for many of my fellow Gen Xers as well, but shortly after, I dove into their catalog. I even saw the We Will Rock You musical when it toured in Chicago, and while the show is a little wonky, the music is phenomenal. (That being said, I’d totally watch it again, so no shade intended!)

Bohemian Rhapsody is about the creation of the band Queen, primarily through the eyes of frontman Freddie Mercury. Born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar, he, his sister, and his parents moved to England when he was young to flee the revolution. Later, with their lead singer having just left the band, musicians Brian May and Roger Taylor are approached by Freddie, and with the addition of bassist John Deacon, the four would form Queen. Freddie also meets Mary Austin, whom he would label the love of his life, while also struggling with his sexuality. The film covers many events, all of which lead up to the acclaimed 1985 Live Aid performance to help raise funds for the Ethiopian famine.

This is a fantastic movie you will likely come back to after your first watch. There were lots of rumblings before it was released, but once everyone saw the finished product, I think most of those rumblings quieted down. It is not 100% accurate, but it had heavy involvement from surviving members Brian May and Roger Taylor, and it gets the job done with a flourish.

Bohemian Rhapsody won 22 awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actor for Rami Malek, who played Freddie. He is incredible in the film, with great nuance, and embodies the rock idol so well that I have to believe his fans felt Freddie’s presence and his friends smiled at his memory.

The entire cast is excellent, with small parts for both Mike Myers as a music producer (Myers plays Wayne in Wayne’s World) and Adam Lambert as a trucker silently propositioning Freddie while walking into a bathroom (Lambert currently tours with Queen as their frontman). I have heard much discussion about various characters, but the person who has always stood out to me is Gwilym Lee as Brian May. After seeing the movie for the first time, I remember saying that Lee was more Brian May than Brian May was. And while that was a joke, I think he is incredible in this grounded, passionate, and observant role. If you haven’t noticed him before, give him another look while you’re watching.

The narrative of the movie is a mix of reality and fiction, but takes liberties with the timeline to create a structure. That said, most of what happens in the film did actually happen – or at least the essence of it. Don’t overthink the timeline, though, or you will miss the movie. If Taylor and May are okay with it, you can be too.

The best parts of Bohemian Rhapsody center around Queen’s music. Whether it’s the magnetic montages of concert performances or the creation of the song “Bohemian Rhapsody” (which I have watched dozens of times by itself because I get such a kick out of it), there are times when the energy is palpable. And then you get to the Live Aid performance at the end, and it is truly exhilarating.

Bohemian Rhapsody is an immersive celebration of both Freddie Mercury and the band Queen. If you didn’t think you knew their music, you’ll be shocked at how many songs you can sing along to. These men and their music will stand the test of time because it is that good. And with Freddie as their lead singer – a man who had a 4-octave range, could sing everything from rock to jazz to rockabilly, and was such an eccentric presence that his face is as recognizable as Elvis – it’s a gift to have a tribute in a movie like this.

Runtime: 134 minutes

Motion Picture Rating: PG-13

Languages Spoken In The Film: English

Should You Watch It? Yes

Did I Cry? Nope, but I get an emotional heart swelling at the end every time I watch

My Rating: 4/5 Stars

Available: Free on Netflix, to rent on Prime Video, or may be available for free on other streaming platforms