More Than a Legend: 'One Love' Brings Bob Marley’s Message Back to the Big Screen

Biopics often struggle to balance reverence with realism, but Bob Marley: One Love makes a heartfelt attempt — tracing just a few intense years in the reggae icon’s life rather than retelling every note of his career.

Set between 1976 and 1978, the film follows Marley through an assassination attempt, self-imposed exile in London, the making of Exodus, and ultimately his return to Jamaica to help heal a divided nation. The result is a 1-hour-47-minute tribute that hits as many emotional chords as musical ones.

Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green (King Richard) and released in cinemas in February 2024, One Love was produced with the full blessing of Marley’s family — including Ziggy, Rita, and Cedella Marley — who ensured cultural and personal authenticity throughout. Kingsley Ben-Adir delivers a passionate, if restrained, performance as Marley, and yes, it’s his own voice you hear on many of the re-recorded tracks, blended with original Bob Marley & The Wailers recordings. Composer Kris Bowers, meanwhile, lends the film a warm analogue soundscape that keeps the rhythm flowing even in its quieter moments.

Although some critics found the film overly polished — more tribute concert than character study — audiences responded with genuine enthusiasm. It topped box offices upon release, and now many are eagerly awaiting its streaming debut.

Whether you’re here for the music, the message or just the Marley mystique, One Love doesn’t attempt to explain the man entirely. But it does offer something far rarer: a cinematic echo of his spirit — hopeful and unifying.