Here are the first reactions to new Queen biopic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’

Is Rami Malek heading to the Oscars?

The first reactions to Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody have been shared online – and there’s a lot of love for Rami Malek’s turn as iconic frontman Freddie Mercury.

The film debuted at a screening in San Francisco last weekend, along with a Q&A featuring Malek and co-stars Gwilym Lee and Lucy Boynton.

But while official reviews are yet to emerge, a few early reactions of the film have emerged online.

Among them, there seems a general consensus that the film itself isn’t entirely spectacular – but it’s defined by a career best performance from the Mr Robot star.

“Bohemian Rhapsody is a straight-on biopic with plenty of Queen music and a strong performance by Rami Malek”, wrote IndieWire’s Anne Thompson .

“It will get mixed reviews. It might play with audiences.”

Kyle Buchanan of the New York Times said: “Bohemian Rhapsody is a glorified Wikipedia entry but Rami Malek plays Freddie Mercury (and wears his wonderful costumes) with incredible gusto.”

However, there was also some more effusive reactions that praised the film as a whole.

Critic Wolf Mantz wrote: “HOLY HELL!! #BohemianRhapsody is ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!! A rousing emotional cinematic champion that will rock you!”

Actor Adam Hann-Byrd added: “Got to see #BohemianRhapsody last night. @itsRamiMalek is absolutely amazing in it. The voice, the physicality… he’s so so good!”

Meanwhile, a teaser video was released last week that showed the extensive training undertaken by Malek as he prepared to become Freddie Mercury.

Bohemian Rhapsody is released on October 24.