Based on the heartfelt and touching memoir written by Michelle Obama, the Netflix documentary Becoming is a must-watch. With a 93% rotten tomatoes rating, this movie follows the life of former first lady Michelle Obama from her childhood to her time in the White House to her life post-First Lady. Through touching anecdotes, Obama details what it was like growing up on Chicago’s southside, and how her life unexpectedly changed when her husband, Barack, was elected president in 2008. All the while, she talks about what it was like to raise two daughters in the public eye, and how being a mother was both a rewarding and challenging experience.
Although the movie is only partially based on the book, Obama gives us a rough outline of how the book pans out. It features three parts: Becoming Me, Becoming Us, and Becoming More. Becoming Me talks about her upbringing in Chicago, living in a small apartment with her parents and brother. This portion also talks about her academic career at Princeton and Harvard Law School. Becoming Us details her love story with Barack Obama, from their marriage to the start of his political career in Illinois. Becoming More follows the Obama family’s journey from Barack’s presidential inauguration to their last days in office eight years later. The movie also includes behind-the-scenes footage from Michelle Obama’s book tour, as well as interviews with notable figures like Oprah Winfrey and Stephen Colbert. Obama’s motivational attitude and her ability to connect with people will instantly draw you to this film.
Becoming will inspire you and, without a doubt, bring out your inner strength. This film helps you realize that we are capable of so much more than we think, and it is never too early to start making a positive impact within your community. If you have not had the chance to watch one of Netflix’s best 2020 additions, and read the book, stream it now!
