Netflix has once again captured the spotlight with its latest release, Starman: A David Bowie Story, a biopic that pays a heartfelt tribute to one of the most influential artists in music history. After years of speculation, anticipation, and production, fans can now experience the magic, mystery, and evolution of David Bowie in a cinematic journey that is both intimate and visually dazzling. The biopic premiered to critical acclaim and is now available for streaming globally.
Starman offers a rare and immersive glimpse into the multifaceted life of David Bowie, born David Robert Jones. Known for his androgynous alter ego Ziggy Stardust and his chameleon-like reinventions across decades, Bowie challenged musical and cultural norms. The film charts his rise from humble beginnings in Brixton, London, to his ascension as a global icon whose legacy spans glam rock, electronic experimentation, and pop innovation. Through masterful storytelling, the biopic weaves his personal struggles and triumphs into the broader tapestry of his artistic legacy.
At the heart of Starman is a stellar performance by British actor Jack Lowden, who steps into Bowie’s iconic shoes with uncanny nuance and emotional depth. From the flamboyant, alien-like Ziggy Stardust era to the Thin White Duke and beyond, Lowden captures the eccentricity, brilliance, and vulnerability that defined Bowie’s artistry. His performance is already being hailed as award-worthy, with many praising his ability to convey the essence of Bowie without slipping into imitation.
Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sam Taylor-Johnson, the biopic balances artistic flair with emotional resonance. Taylor-Johnson, best known for Nowhere Boy and Fifty Shades of Grey, brings a bold yet respectful vision to the story. With meticulous attention to period detail, stunning cinematography, and an evocative soundtrack featuring Bowie’s most iconic tracks, the film creates an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and timeless.
The screenplay, penned by Anthony McCarten—whose previous work includes Bohemian Rhapsody and The Theory of Everything—expertly navigates Bowie’s personal and professional transformations. Rather than following a conventional linear timeline, the narrative is structured around key moments of reinvention. This non-traditional approach mirrors Bowie’s own refusal to be defined by a single genre, image, or message, and it allows the audience to connect more deeply with his inner world.
Notably, the film does not shy away from exploring the more vulnerable aspects of Bowie’s life: his battles with substance abuse, the pressures of fame, his complex relationships, and his philosophical musings on identity and mortality. Yet, it also celebrates his courage to defy expectations and his tireless commitment to artistic evolution. Fans will particularly appreciate the film’s treatment of his final years and the making of Blackstar, his haunting farewell album.
Starman also stands out for its strong supporting cast, including Florence Pugh as Bowie’s first wife Angie, and Ben Whishaw as Brian Eno, his long-time collaborator. Their performances lend emotional complexity to Bowie’s story, highlighting the influence of the people around him and the challenges he faced while trying to balance fame with personal connection.
Early reactions from both critics and fans have been overwhelmingly positive. Many have praised the film for its authenticity, emotional resonance, and refusal to reduce Bowie to clichés. Social media is abuzz with admiration, with fans expressing gratitude for a portrayal that feels both respectful and revealing. The soundtrack is already climbing streaming charts, reigniting interest in Bowie’s extensive discography among new generations of listeners.
In Starman: A David Bowie Story, Netflix has delivered not just a biopic, but a soulful cinematic ode to one of the greatest artists of all time. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to his work, this film offers a compelling reminder of why David Bowie’s legacy endures. As the final credits roll to the haunting strains of “Heroes,” one thing becomes clear: Bowie wasn’t just a rock star—he was a visionary, a provocateur, and a true original whose stardust still lingers in the universe he helped reshape.
