Midas Man: New Brian Epstein Biopic Unveils the Brilliance Behind the Beatles’ Legendary Manager
Midas Man: The highly anticipated biopic Midas Man delves into the life of Brian Epstein, the man who catapulted The Beatles from obscurity to worldwide fame. Played by Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, Epstein’s journey from managing a furniture shop to promising that his unsigned band would be “bigger than Elvis” unfolds in this evocative film, offering fans an intimate look into the dynamic yet complex mind behind the Fab Four’s meteoric rise.
Directed by Sara Sugarman and scripted by Brigit Grant and Jonathan Wakeham, Midas Man doesn’t shy away from the contradictions that defined Epstein. The film deftly portrays Epstein’s public persona of suave sophistication alongside moments of personal vulnerability, particularly after his father’s passing. Craig Brown, a renowned Beatles biographer, aptly described Epstein as “lonely, businesslike, scrupulous, obsessive, shrewd, awkward, and pernickety”—qualities that Fortune-Lloyd embodies with nuance, portraying Epstein as both magnetic and tormented by self-doubt. This balance of confidence and vulnerability allows audiences to connect deeply with Epstein’s triumphs and trials.
Midas Man captures the ambiance of 1960s Liverpool, showcasing Epstein’s North End Music Store (NEMS), where he first encountered The Beatles. Through meticulously crafted sets, the film immerses viewers in Liverpool’s vibrant yet gritty atmosphere, transporting them to the Cavern Club for some of The Beatles’ iconic lunchtime performances.
Fortune-Lloyd’s portrayal of Epstein is only one of the film’s standout performances. Leo Harvey-Elledge brings humor and warmth as George Harrison, while Darci Shaw shines as Cilla Black. Meanwhile, the excellent Eddie Marsan and Emily Watson appear as Epstein’s parents, though their screen time remains limited. Yet, some fans might find Fortune-Lloyd’s mature appearance slightly impacts the film’s dynamic, particularly in scenes with John Lennon, played by Jonah Lees.
A surprising inclusion in Midas Man is the character of John “Tex” Ellington, played by Ed Speleers, whose impact on Epstein’s life remains debated among Beatles historians. However, Ellington’s portrayal adds an unexpected layer, highlighting Epstein’s inner emotional world and his often-overlooked vulnerabilities.
While die-hard Beatles fans may already know the ins and outs of Epstein’s legacy, Midas Man still offers a fresh perspective, skillfully rendering the emotional undercurrents of his life and illuminating the genius behind the scenes. Though the absence of original Beatles music is noticeable—due to licensing costs that are notoriously high for Lennon and McCartney’s works—the film more than makes up for it with its powerful storytelling and visual authenticity.
Epstein’s legacy as “the man who made The Beatles” continues to captivate audiences, and Midas Man does justice to his story, celebrating his visionary brilliance and the pivotal role he played in shaping one of the most influential bands in history.
