"Queen - Under Review 1946-1991: The Freddie Mercury Story" is an evocative and engrossing musical documentary that shines a bright spotlight on the legendary rock artist Freddie Mercury and his unforgettable band, Queen. The film covers the period from Mercury's birth in 1946 through his untimely passing in 1991, offering a comprehensive and unflinching look at the flamboyant frontman's life, both on and off stage.

This powerful portrayal opens in Zanzibar, where Mercury was born as Farrokh Bulsara. Viewers are given an inside look into his early life and formative years before moving to England, where he started the journey towards musical stardom. The film isn't just a chronological recount of Mercury's life - it sets itself apart by exploring the nuanced aspects of his personality and musical talent, providing an intimate portrayal of the rock icon who was as known for his commanding stage presence as he was for his polarizing off-stage persona.

While the life and influence of Mercury are the primary focal points, the documentary also delves into the other members of Queen – Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon. They weren't just Mercury's band members—they were his friends, collaborators, and at times, his biggest critics. Offering candid interviews and observations from these individuals, the film underlines the shared chemistry and occasional discord that characterized the band's dynamic, giving a peek into what it took to create some of the greatest hits in rock history.

"Queen - Under Review 1946-1991: The Freddie Mercury Story" spends significant time dissecting the band's groundbreaking music and lyrics. There’s rich commentary on their distinctive sound, characterized by a blend of rock and opera, with layers of harmonies and Mercury's dramatic bravado leading the charge. From their eponymous debut album to their illustrious, Mercury-led run, the film captures Queen's journey and artistic evolution in depth, charting their rise from the club circuit to becoming one of the world's most revered rock bands.

Critical perspectives, including those from rock journalists and music historians, are carefully balanced with behind-the-scenes footage, archival interviews, and performance clips to provide a multi-dimensional view of Queen and Mercury's individual profiles. A noteworthy feature of this documentary is its keen attention to Mercury's songwriting skills and his unrivaled stage showmanship, frequently highlighted in analyses of iconic live performances, including their memorable Live Aid concert.

Beyond the music, the movie doesn’t shy away from Mercury's personal life. Known for treasuring his privacy, the glimpses we get into Mercury's life offstage provide an important and poignant counter-narrative. The film portrays the multiple facets of Mercury—the dichotomy of the extroverted performer and the introverted man, his relationships, his battle with HIV/AIDS, and eventually, his death in 1991. These personal strands add emotional gravitas, complementing the exploration of his music and professional life.

At the helm of this musical expedition, the directors pay tribute to Mercury's legacy without turning the narrative into hagiography. The documentary is genuinely representative of the life Mercury lived, including his detractors and their less-than-flattering viewpoints, thus presenting an balanced and fair portrayal. The film is packed with genuine opinions, interesting facts, and insights that will entertain and enlighten both Queen enthusiasts and casual fans alike.

The film pivots between admiration and critique, continually evaluating Mercury’s work through different lenses. This is evident in the soundtrack as well, which features Queen's multiple chart-toppers and hidden gems, effectively utilizing the music to relay emotions and plot points, adding depth to this biographical narrative.

"Queen - Under Review 1946-1991: The Freddie Mercury Story" presents not merely a chronicle of Freddie Mercury’s life and the band’s evolution but also a commentary on Queen’s lasting cultural impact. It's a captivating tribute, full of heart and rich in detail, telling an influential story that extends beyond music into the realm of identity, stardom and individuality. A must-watch for those who believe, like Mercury himself professed, that "the show must go on."