Netflix has dropped a cinematic bombshell with “THIS IS BUTLER: The Relentless Rise,” an unflinching biopic chronicling the turbulent, hard-won ascent of Gerard Butler—from Scottish law student to global action icon. This gripping feature isn’t your standard Hollywood puff piece. Instead, it’s a raw, immersive look into the chaos, charm, and contradictions that define one of cinema’s most underestimated powerhouses.
The film opens with Butler’s youth in Paisley, Scotland, painting a vivid portrait of a boy torn between a tumultuous home life and an insatiable hunger for something greater. We’re introduced to a young man who seems destined for mediocrity until fate—and failure—begin to shape him. This early vulnerability sets the tone for the film’s emotional weight, making clear that Butler’s story isn’t just about muscles and box office numbers, but grit, self-destruction, and redemption.
From law school in Glasgow to sleeping on friends’ couches in London, the biopic leans into Butler’s years of aimless drifting with unvarnished honesty. There’s no effort to glamorize the actor’s missteps—his struggle with alcohol, early career rejections, and moments of near collapse are presented as pivotal chapters in his evolution. Netflix strikes a delicate balance here, delivering both brutal realism and a subtle sense of hope.
The turning point arrives with Butler’s casting in Attila (2001), which is depicted not as a triumphant breakthrough, but as a nerve-racking moment of self-doubt. We see Butler stepping into the spotlight with all the uncertainty of someone who knows how quickly it could slip away. That tension pays off in the film’s explosive midsection—his breakout in 300. The film doesn’t just recreate the now-iconic battle scenes; it delves into the emotional and physical toll it took to become King Leonidas, both on-screen and off.
Butler’s post-300 trajectory is explored with unexpected nuance. Where most stories would linger on fame and fortune, “THIS IS BUTLER” dares to examine the complexities of being typecast, battling industry skepticism, and fighting to carve out a career beyond swords and six-packs. We see the actor clashing with agents, chasing diverse roles, and pushing himself into thrillers, romantic dramas, and indie projects—sometimes succeeding, often falling flat, but always trying.
What makes this biopic especially compelling is its portrayal of Butler not as a hero, but as a human. Scenes of him grappling with addiction recovery, grief, and the pressure of maintaining relevance offer a rare, sobering look at the cost of staying at the top. Interviews with co-stars and directors add color without becoming sycophantic—many speak candidly about Butler’s intensity, perfectionism, and the chaos he sometimes brings to set.
The cinematography is as rugged as its subject, with brooding Scottish landscapes and Hollywood backlots rendered in a gritty, cinematic palette. The film’s score—part orchestral, part industrial—mirrors Butler’s own blend of heart and fire. Flashbacks are used sparingly but effectively, often triggered by moments of self-reflection, showing how the ghosts of Butler’s past continue to shape his choices.
One of the film’s most powerful threads is the exploration of masculinity. Butler is presented as a man constantly negotiating what it means to be strong—not just in battle scenes, but in moments of weakness, vulnerability, and emotional exposure. Netflix leans into this theme without preaching, allowing viewers to witness the silent war behind the action-star persona.
As the film closes, we’re not given a polished happily-ever-after. Instead, we see Butler in his element—on set, exhausted, still hustling. There’s a quiet message here: that the climb never truly ends, even for those at the top. What matters is the fight to keep going, the willingness to evolve, and the refusal to quit when the world expects you to fade.
“THIS IS BUTLER: The Relentless Rise” isn’t just a biopic—it’s a testament to survival in one of the most brutal industries on the planet. It’s for anyone who’s ever failed, fought back, and dared to bet on themselves. Gerard Butler doesn’t just play heroes. He lives like one. And now, thanks to Netflix, the world finally gets to see what that really looks like.
