Review: ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ Biopic Falls Short of Expectations
The highly anticipated biopic, “Bob Marley: One Love,” has finally hit theaters, offering audiences a glimpse into the life of the legendary reggae star. However, despite the breakout performance by Kingsley Ben-Adir and the involvement of Marley’s family as producers, the film falls short of expectations, feeling more like a licensed product than an authentic biopic.
Director Reinaldo Marcus Green, known for his work on “King Richard,” made the decision to involve Marley’s widow Rita and children Ziggy and Cecelia in the production process. While this collaboration may have seemed promising, it ultimately resulted in a film that lacks depth and authenticity. “One Love” focuses on a narrow slice of Marley’s life, primarily centered around the tumultuous events in Jamaica, an assassination attempt, and his move to Europe.
Green tackles the biographical aspects of Marley’s life through fleeting flashbacks, particularly highlighting his courtship of his wife Rita. However, these flashbacks only scratch the surface of their relationship, leaving much to be desired in terms of character development. The film fails to delve into the origins of their marital strain, leaving Rita with a perpetually pained expression throughout.
Despite these shortcomings, Kingsley Ben-Adir delivers a captivating performance as Bob Marley. He fully embodies Marley’s accent and mannerisms, showcasing his magnetism and creativity. However, the film’s narrative structure limits the impact of Ben-Adir’s portrayal, hindering the overall effectiveness of his performance.
Furthermore, the supporting characters are underdeveloped, leaving little room for their stories to shine. Unlike other biopics that explore the flaws and complexities of musical superstars, “One Love” presents a sanitized version of Marley. While this may be a deliberate choice to pay tribute to his work, it ultimately robs the film of the depth and drama that could have made it truly memorable.
The saving grace of “One Love” is undoubtedly the music itself. The film features meticulously replicated performance sequences, with Ben-Adir expertly lip-synching to Marley’s iconic vocals. These musical moments serve as a reminder of Marley’s immense talent and enduring legacy.
However, despite the film’s dedication to Marley’s music, it fails to distinguish itself from other authorized biographies or documentaries. While it pays homage to Marley’s work, it lacks the substance and insight needed to truly captivate audiences. The love for its subject becomes a hindrance, preventing the film from delivering the rock-star-level drama and major insights that fans were hoping for.
“Bob Marley: One Love” premieres on February 14 in US theaters and is rated PG-13. While it may not live up to the high expectations set by fans, it still offers a glimpse into the life of one of music’s most influential figures.