Bob Marley: One Love (2024)
Bob Marley: One Love hums with the infectious energy of reggae anthems but struggles to compose a compelling biopic. Director Reinaldo Marcus Green creates a vibrant tapestry of Marley’s life, tracing his rise from Trenchtown’s dust to his global stardom. But while the movie captures the essence of Marley’s message, it often feels like a greatest hits collection rather than a nuanced exploration of the man behind the legend.
Green infuses the story with historical context, demonstrating the socio-political turmoil of Jamaica that fueled Marley’s lyrics. We see the simmering tensions between political factions, the struggles of the Rastafarian community, and the ever-present shadow of colonialism. However, these elements sometimes feel like mere set decoration, failing to fully integrate with Marley’s personal journey.
The film’s heart is in its musical performances. Kingsley Ben-Adir embodies Marley’s charisma, channelling his infectious energy and soulful voice. Unfortunately, Ben-Adir’s portrayal stays at a surface level, lacking the depth and vulnerability that truly defined the reggae legend. The supporting cast, including Lashana Lynch as Marley’s wife Rita, adds texture to the story but never fully transcends cliched stereotypes.
The soundtrack, naturally, is the movie’s saving grace. Compelling renditions of Marley’s classics like Get Up, Stand Up and Redemption Song pulsate with life, transporting us to sun-drenched Jamaican streets and smoky concert halls. But even with these, the focus feels more about recreating iconic performances instead of using the music to shine a light on Marley’s inner world.
Visually, One Love’s cinematography includes sun-kissed visuals and evocative production design. The backdrop is picture-perfect, with vibrant cityscapes and lush Jamaican landscapes. However, the editing feels choppy at times, jolting us between scenes without a smooth narrative flow. The pacing, particularly in the film’s middle section, drags, sacrificing emotional depth for what feels like a montage.
One Love left me wanting more. There is no doubt that it captures the infectious spirit of Bob Marley’s music. But it struggles to provide us with a story that explores the complexities of Marley himself. Yes, the soundtrack is a reggae-infused delight, but the story stumbles, and left me with a bittersweet aftertaste. If you’re a die-hard Marley fan, the music alone might be worth the price of the ticket. But if you are looking for a deeper exploration of the life and soul of the reggae legend, One Love doesn’t deliver.
(In cinemas — check your local movie guide for show times.)