“Becoming” is not a hard-hitting, warts-and-all look at former First Lady Michelle Obama — Nadia Hallgren’s Netflix doc is produced by the Obamas’ Higher Ground Productions, after all. What the feature is, however, is the opportunity to get to know Michelle Obama the person, as opposed to the public figure, on her own terms.
Taking its title from her bestselling memoir, “Becoming” follows Obama on a 34-city book tour. She serves as an interviewee, as do those closest to her, including her daughters, mother and brother, chief of staff, and the head of her Secret Service team. Viewers are given insight into everything from her life growing up in the south side of Chicago, to her taste in music and clothing, to what she considers the most pressing issues facing the country.
We also learn that, while her husband campaigned and served in office, Obama had to tamp down her personality and opinions, lest she be smeared and attacked in the press. In the doc, as in her book, it’s a joy to see her open up about herself and speak her truth without fear.
I was especially impressed by Obama’s revelation that, while she was honored to be First Lady, those eight years in the White House upended her plans and personal desires. She sacrificed a significant portion of her life — and changed the entire trajectory of her journey — for her husband’s dreams. Tons of women do that every day, and are shamed if they ever bring it up, or dare to question it. I can’t tell you how much I admire Obama for discussing that publicly, and letting fellow women know that there’s nothing wrong with wanting things, or hesitating to give up their ambitions for their loved ones’.
Still, the most delightful aspect of “Becoming” is witnessing Obama connect with the people she meets on her book tour, especially young women of color. Some of them burst into tears upon meeting the former First Lady, some are at a loss for words, and some are emboldened to share their own stories with pride. These scenes are a testament to how important Michelle Obama was and is. She makes herself seen and heard, and in turn helps others do the same for themselves.
“Becoming” is now streaming on Netflix.
