Piece by Piece Review| Screen One

The Wikipedia Music Biography Universe expands yet again with Piece by Piece, a vibrant and wildly imaginative biopic chronicling the life of Pharrell Williams. Directed by Academy Award® winner Morgan Neville (20 Feet from Stardom), the film takes an innovative approach by telling Pharrell’s story entirely through LEGO® animation. While this creative choice adds a unique visual flair, the movie doesn’t quite stack up to the emotional depth or resonance of other recent musical biopics.

The plot takes us on a journey through Pharrell’s meteoric rise to stardom, from his groundbreaking work with The Neptunes to his solo hits like Happy, Blurred Lines, and Get Lucky. The soundtrack is undeniably the film’s highlight, with these needle-drops bringing energy to key moments. However, the novelty of the animation begins to wear thin as the film progresses, leaving the story feeling more like a playful montage than a deeply engaging exploration of Pharrell’s life and career.

Despite the star-studded cast of animated cameos—including Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, and Snoop Dogg—the film doesn’t deliver much depth in its portrayal of Pharrell’s relationships or creative struggles. While entertaining, Piece by Piece ultimately feels like it’s skating over the surface rather than digging into the heart of what makes Pharrell a cultural icon.

That said, the LEGO® world does offer some clever visual gags and a refreshing take on the genre, elevating it above more formulaic entries in the Wikipedia Music Biography Universe. Morgan Neville’s direction ensures a polished and vibrant look, but even his expertise can’t make the film feel truly memorable.

Piece by Piece is a fun, imaginative watch but lacks the emotional weight or lasting impact of its peers. For fans of Pharrell or those curious about the idea of a LEGO® musical biopic, it’s worth a look—but don’t expect it to stick with you once the credits roll.