Bohemian Rhapsody 2018

In 1970, Farrokh Bulsara, better known as “Freddie” (Rami Malek), an Indian-British Parsi with a passion for art and music, is juggling his studies at a London college with a part-time job handling luggage at Heathrow Airport. By night, he indulges in the city’s vibrant music scene, frequenting pubs and clubs where he can revel in the sounds of up-and-coming acts like Smile. One fateful evening, after catching a show by this fledgling band, Freddie finds himself drawn to a striking young woman (Mary Austin) lingering in the hallway outside the pub. She offers him sage advice on how to track down the group, and as they part ways, Freddie can’t help but notice her connection to Biba, a fashionable London boutique where he’s often seen browsing. Outside, he approaches Smile’s drummer Roger Taylor (Ben Hardy) and guitarist Brian May (Gwilym Lee), showering them with praise for their performance. His eyes widening at the news that their lead singer has departed, Freddie seizes the opportunity to audition as a replacement, showcasing his remarkable vocal range.

Fast-forward to a chance encounter between Freddie and Mary (Lucy Boynton) at Biba itself. As she assists him in selecting some stylish attire, they bond over their shared sense of style, laying the groundwork for a romance that will soon blossom into a committed relationship. The couple’s union is marked by a series of sold-out gigs across Britain, with Freddie’s boisterous personality and soaring vocals proving an irresistible draw. As Queen - the rebranded Smile featuring Freddie as lead singer, bassist John Deacon (Joe Mazzello), and the rest of the lineup - they begin to think bigger, recording their debut album under the watchful eye of Roy Thomas Baker (Tim Plester). This initial foray into the studio yields a string of experimental sounds and techniques that catch the attention of an A&R representative from EMI Records.

As Queen’s star continues to rise, Freddie makes several pivotal changes. He legally changes his name to Freddie Mercury and designs the band’s iconic logo, a symbol of their unapologetic creativity and flair. The group signs with John Reid (Aidan Gillen), Elton John’s trusted manager, securing a contract with EMI Records. Paul Prenter (Allen Leech), Reid’s right-hand man, takes the reins as Queen’s day-to-day manager. A triumphant appearance on Top of the Pops propels their hit single “Killer Queen” into the stratosphere, cementing their status as a force to be reckoned with in the music world. As they embark on a sold-out U.S. tour, Freddie finds himself grappling with his burgeoning sexuality, a personal journey that will forever reshape the trajectory of his life and art.

As Queen wraps up production on their fourth album, A Night at the Opera, in 1975, tensions arise when executive Ray Foster (Mike Myers) refuses to greenlight the six-minute epic “Bohemian Rhapsody” as the lead single. Undeterred, Freddie Mercury turns to DJ Kenny Everett for an early debut on the radio waves. Despite mixed reviews, the song’s unique blend of opera and rock proves a game-changer, catapulting it to smash hit status. The band embarks on a world tour, with Freddie’s personal life taking center stage. He begins an affair with Paul Prenter, the band’s day-to-day manager, which ultimately leads to Mary breaking off their relationship when Freddie confesses his bisexuality.

As the 1980s dawn, Queen’s success shows no signs of slowing down, but creative differences and changes in Freddie’s attitude due to his relationship with Paul start to take a toll. In 1980, after a lavish party at his home, Freddie meets Jim Hutton (Aaron McCusker), a waiter who leaves a lasting impression. Though their romance is short-lived, Freddie takes Jim’s parting words to heart: “Find me when you learn to like yourself.” The band’s internal dynamics become increasingly strained as Freddie’s personal life becomes the subject of intense media scrutiny.

The promotion for Queen’s 1982 album Hot Space turns into a PR nightmare when a press conference is hijacked by journalists bombarding Freddie with questions about his personal life and sexuality. In response, Freddie fires off insults and rebuffs, further fueling the fire. Meanwhile, Brian May proposes a solo deal to CBS Records, which Freddie rejects, sparking a rift between band members. The situation takes a dramatic turn when Mary reveals she’s pregnant and urges Freddie to return to the fold, as Queen has been offered a spot at Bob Geldof’s benefit concert Live Aid at Wembley Stadium.

As tensions come to a head, Freddie makes the bold decision to sign a $4 million solo deal with CBS Records, effectively severing ties with his bandmates. He relocates to Munich in 1984 to work on his debut solo album Mr. Bad Guy, indulging in gay orgies with Paul Prenter. Mary’s subsequent visit finds her urging Freddie to return to the band, but it’s too late – Paul has already gone public with Freddie’s sexual exploits, leaving the iconic frontman reeling from the fallout.

As Freddie Mercury (Rami Malek) returns to London, he seeks redemption from his bandmates and manager Jim Beach, rekindling old flames of camaraderie. Their reconciliation is a testament to the unbreakable bonds forged through music, as they’re granted a last-minute opportunity to take the stage at Live Aid. However, Freddie’s world begins to unravel as the devastating reality of AIDS’ global spread comes into stark focus. Confined by his own mortality, he musters the courage to reveal his diagnosis to his bandmates during a rehearsal, met with an outpouring of love and support.

As the day of Live Aid dawns, Freddie is reunited with Hutton and Mary, and finds solace in reconnecting with his family through his father’s wise Zoroastrian maxim: “Good thoughts, good words, good deeds.” The band takes to the stage, delivering a thunderous performance that includes crowd-pleasing hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Radio Ga Ga”, “Hammer to Fall”, and the triumphant “We Are the Champions”. The sheer magnitude of their set is a resounding success, inspiring fans worldwide to open their hearts and wallets in support of the cause.

As the curtain closes on this extraordinary chapter, the film pays poignant tribute to Freddie Mercury’s passing on November 24, 1991, at the age of 45. In his honor, Queen hosts the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, a star-studded celebration that serves as a testament to the enduring power of music and the indelible mark left by this extraordinary artist.