I wasn’t born when Queen performed at the legendary Live Aid Benefit show in July of 1985.

I was barely three-years-old when frontman Freddie Mercury died from AIDs-related symptoms in 1991. But man, did I feel like I was experiencing the mesmerizing talent of the iconic glam rock superstar in person, with a front row seat to one of the greatest moments in musical history. It tested my physical self-control to not stand up and headbang while singing along to the songs I grew up listening to in my childhood (thanks to the many summers spent in Drama Camp where the director used them during pre-performance warm-ups). No, I wasn’t alive when Queen reigned supreme, but seeing Bohemian Rhapsody in theaters was the next best thing.

Bryan Singer’s musical biopic about the enigma Farrokh Bulsara aka Freddie Mercury is a colorful and whimsical dive into the life of a societal outcast who found confidence and compassion within his chosen family of musicians. As an Indian immigrant who suffered from physical and sexual insecurities, Mercury consciously suppressed his negativity by putting his undeniable talent front and center, and it didn’t take long for people to notice. His vocal capabilities were a way to override his anxiety, as he quickly bonded with his Queen bandmates Brian May (Gwilym Lee), Roger Taylor (Ben Hardy), and John Deacon (Joe Mazzello). He became engaged to the lovely Mary (Lucy Boynton) and went on to have international acclaim with #1 hits, and too much money to know what to do with. Talk about Killer Queen.

‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is a film for the optimists, the music lovers, and the champions of the world.

The band’s musical style evolved from anthem rock to opera soliloquies to disco-inspired-dance beats to emotional ballads and beyond. Mixing these genres was intentional, as Queen always wrote and performed their songs with the audience in mind. They wanted to create music that made the audience feel like it belonged to them too, they wanted the audience to feel a part of the band. And the audience loved it. But despite seemingly having it all, Mercury was selfish, self-admittedly “hideous”, and often alone. While his outward confidence continued to grow with the band’s success, behind the curtain, his off-stage persona was still an isolated immigrant teenager who longed for authentic, personal connections. It’s poignantly ironic that the film’s beginning montage is “Somebody To Love” (which, like every other song, left me with chills).

Director Bryan Singer, who is best known for the X-Men series, portrays Freddie as a flawed but lovable man who may have been blinded by fame, yet throughout his journey of self-discovery, ultimately comes to a place of self-acceptance. Singer keeps the story moving along quite swiftly (my only criticism is at times, the journey seems a little too easy) but the most impressive feat is how mind-blowing the performances are, especially the concert footage in the last scene. From small stages at local bars to London’s Wembley Stadium, Singer recreates the crowd’s uncontrollable energy and transforms the audience’s theater seats to stadium risers.

It’s quite audacious to take on the role of such a well-known individual, and it’s another feat to completely become him. Rami Malik nails Mercury’s nuanced mannerisms with his flamboyant stage prancing and exaggerated over-bite (due to having 4 extra incisors that made his mouth much larger than most), while also respecting his internal emotional struggle. Malik is magnetic on screen and gives a performance that makes Bohemian Rhapsody what is it: bold, in your face, and unforgettable.

Queen was a band of misfits, and they were universally embraced because of their authenticity. It was their creative spirits and steadfast dedication to musical exploration and inventive storytelling, fronted by an enigmatic lead singer, that landed them on the top of the charts. Freddie Mercury left absolutely everything he had on the stage and fought till the end. A bittersweet account of a man who dared to be different, Bohemian Rhapsody is a film for the optimists, the music lovers, and the champions of the world.

PS- While this film should definitely be experienced in a theater with surround sound, I also recommend watching it again in the comfort of your own home so you can rock out with no judgment.

‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is rated PG-13 for thematic elements, suggestive material, drug content, and language. 134 minutes. Now playing in theaters.