Midas Man isn’t just the story of one of music’s most legendary entrepreneurs; it’s also a look at how media’s power shaped modern society. Set between the late ’50s and ’60s, the film takes us through the life of Brian Epstein, the Liverpool native who discovered and managed the Beatles. The film covers three defining chapters of Epstein’s life: his discovery of the Fab Four at The Cavern Club, their meteoric rise, and his tragic final years.
Though the film’s tone is often upbeat, Epstein’s journey is anything but light. He didn’t just catapult British music—and especially the Merseyside scene—onto the global stage; he reshaped the industry itself. Yet, for all his professional triumphs, Epstein’s personal life was haunted by struggles, especially as a closeted gay man in the ‘60s. His success couldn’t shield him from loneliness and inner conflict.
Jacob Fortune-Lloyd is magnetic and incredibly charismatic as Epstein, effortlessly drawing viewers in with a performance that makes breaking the fourth wall feel completely natural. He balances Epstein’s charm with an underlying vulnerability, bringing depth to his character. Fortune-Lloyd’s portrayal feels so authentic that it’s as if he’s inviting you into the world of 1960s Beatlemania, allowing you to witness the Beatles’ rise from an insider’s perspective.
The film’s rocky pre-production and shifts in directors show up in some pacing and structural issues. Sometimes, it feels like Midas Man is set on portraying Epstein as a hero, while the Beatles’ story occasionally pulls focus away from him. Yet, Fortune-Lloyd’s performance pulls it all back together, giving Epstein—often called the “fifth Beatle” thanks to Sir Paul McCartney—the spotlight he deserves. Yet, at times, the film seems torn, as if it isn’t entirely sure of its message or the story it wants to tell.
The film oscillates between celebrating Epstein’s legacy and losing focus, creating moments where the narrative feels a bit scattered. That said, two standout performances deserve a special mention: Blake Richardson as Paul McCartney and Jonah Lees as John Lennon. Their portrayals bring the early Beatles to life, capturing not just the look but the energy and charisma that defined their early years. The resemblance is remarkable, and the actors’ chemistry channels the Beatles’ signature cheekiness. Watching them, I couldn’t help but feel swept up in Beatlemania myself, grinning at the mischief and charm that made the Fab Four irresistible.
Overall, Midas Man has tremendous potential and shines in parts, but it doesn’t quite deliver on all fronts. Still, it’s a compelling watch for anyone curious about the man behind the Beatles’ meteoric rise.
★★★
Now streaming on Amazon Prime / Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, Emily Watson, Eddie Marsan, Ed Speleers, Blake Richardson, Jonah Lees , Leo Harvey-Elledge, Campbell Wallace, Darci Shaw, Eddie Izzard / Dir: Joe A. Stephenson / 12
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