Barack and Michelle Obama aren't just the First Family of the US, they're international icons, loved by millions across the globe, not only Americans, for not only the executive decisions made by Barack, but also for how much the family as a whole promoted inclusion, diversity and equality on an array of issues looked upon with prejudice to this day. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that Barack Obama was the most-loved US President after Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Franklin Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson and John F. Kennedy.
Michelle Obama though is arguably the most admired First Lady for how she both conducted herself and contributed to matters outside of her husband's purview. So, how much of what went behind the scenes are we offered access to in her new Netflix documentary, Becoming, and does it leave an indelible impression on our psyche like any great documentary should and like the woman herself had over the course of eight years, and still tries to do in whatever capacity she can? Let's find out...
Scroll down for my full Becoming review...
Four years after leaving the White House, we're made privy to the last leg of Michelle Obama as a public figure, as she promotes her bestselling memoir through America. Becoming — the same title as her book — takes us through the course of this tour, where we're also offered insights into her beginnings, her marriage with Barack Obama, their time at the White House and the insurmountable challenges faced as the first Black President and First Lady of the US.
Just as the central subject of the documentary and her family, Becoming is filled with hope, inspiration, the proverbial American Dream and everything good that can fulfill your life. It's all about rising to the occasion and becoming the best version of yourself, while staring bigotry in the face, but never stooping to the level of your detractors/attackers. It's just as feel-good as a film (documentary or otherwise) could be.
While Becoming scores highly on positivity, it loses more than a few points for seldom diving into the Michelle's struggles behind those umpteen positive accomplishments. Barely the surface is scratched when it comes to delving into the obstacles she faced both as the first Black Lady and expressing her individuality away from her husband's shadow. Those unfamiliar with her journey, may actually find themselves wondering what the big deal was all about, and those familiar will be disappointed that the makers were content with a decent outcome when greatness was ripe for the picking. We get that this doc was more about hope, but what's hope without the struggles that try to detail it?
Becoming is one of the best feel-good documentaries you'd watch, but far from one of the best documentaries, if you catch my drift. I'm going with 3/5 stars.
