Becoming

PG

2020

1 hr. 29 min.

Documentary

TRAILER

for Becoming: First Look

List

93%

74 Reviews

Tomatometer

57%

250+ Ratings

Audience Score

Former first lady Michelle Obama discusses her life, hopes and connections with others.

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Netflix

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Critics Consensus

It may not get as personal as some viewers might have hoped, but Becoming offers an uplifting look at a pivotal moment in its subject's public life.

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HMSC R

I don't know when puff pieces started being referred to as documentaries. This is one of the worst ever

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

09/21/23

Full Review

Hannah J

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and I truly urge everyone to watch this. It shows such a fresh perspective into the life of our forever First Lady, Michelle Obama, who is undoubtedly such an inspiration to many with her life story and drive to make the world a better place. Their family is such a beacon of light and hope and this movie perfectly captures the essence of them & what they strive for.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/05/23

Full Review

Matt M

Story of a great American topped off with a brilliant soundtrack by master saxophonist Kamasi Washington! A must see!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/08/23

Full Review

Sabrine H

I really liked this film, it states racism well. Michelle Obama talks about her career as a first lady in the USA

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/16/23

Full Review

Audience Member

It is an admiring documentary, which is neither an advantaget or a flaw for itself, but while it is good (in large part because of Michelle Obama's charisma) it could have gone much deeper into its look at such a beloved and important public figure in the history of a nation.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

Full Review

Audience Member

"Becoming", directed by Nadia Hallgreen, is a documentary, an autobiography released on May 7, 2020, witch don't even tell only the story of the 46nd First Lady of the United States, and also not even just of Barack Obama's wife. "Becoming" plot is about Michelle. The down-to-earth and inspirative one. The strong and sometimes not so strong one. Michelle Obama, next to her essence. That's why this film is so incredible. Because it shows us that a person always is so much more than a title, an office or what people might think you are. It tells her story before and after she becomes the First Lady, in many different settings, from her humble beginning, showing that she was always a strong and positioned woman wherever she was; going through the time her family were in the White House, and how she work hard to adapt their lives in front of the cameras and all the world, but never losing their roots and sympathy; to after all of it. That's why "becoming". It means that her story is just beginning. So, with a good pace - surely leading the audience to wishing it didn't have to end -, you'll certainly be inspired by Michelle's ideas and enthused by her bright personality. But, if you wanna more, you may also read her book, called "Becoming" either. However, only in the movie you'll get the dancing soundtrack which has everything to do with Michelle. At the end, we see that she is a normal person. And, such as, if she can make the difference somehow, you and I can do it also. Between tears and laughs, this documentary is absolutely worth watching! :)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/26/23

Full Review

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Nadia Hallgren

Director

Michelle Obama

Self

Barack Obama

Self

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Becoming: First Look

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Becoming: Trailer 1

1:49

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Euan Ferguson

Guardian

Michelle told her story with charm, grit, adventurism and several appalling book-tour choices of dress.

May 26, 2020

Full Review

Camilla Long

Times (UK)

Scrape away the gush and the swaggy fashion, and a fascinating portrait emerged of a rather unhappy and discontented high achiever.

May 18, 2020

Full Review

Sandra Hall

Sydney Morning Herald

With Obama herself as narrator, it's a personal diary -- bereft of tension and short on surprises with a perpetually sunny guide treating you to an intimate but selective tour of her life so far.

Rated: 3.5/5

May 13, 2020

Full Review

Alex Bentley

CultureMap

Becoming is a welcome reminder that Michelle Obama continues to be a force for good in a world where that can sometimes feel like a resource in short supply.

Feb 16, 2021

Full Review

Carla Hay

Culture Mix

The movie hits some very familiar beats that are often seen in tour documentaries. There's a 'feel-good home movie' approach to the documentary, as opposed to a 'journalistic exposé' approach. Some people will have a problem with that, while others won't.

Jul 18, 2020

Full Review

Joel Keller

Decider

It's definitely the most intimate portrait of Michelle Obama we've seen committed to film.

Jul 2, 2020

Full Review

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Synopsis

Former first lady Michelle Obama discusses her life, hopes and connections with others.

Director: Nadia Hallgren
Rating: PG (Brief Language|Some Thematic Elements)
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): May 7, 2020

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