Following Michelle Obama’s memoir in 2018, Obama’s 2020 Netflix documentary, “Becoming”, places Obama’s inspirational story on the screen while touching on a wide variety of aspects regarding her obstacles she has overcome, such as facing racial issues and overcoming the feeling of not “belonging” while in college. Throughout “Becoming”, Obama is able to bring charm and wit to the screen all while discussing personal stories and past struggles.

Directed by Nadia Hallgren, “Becoming” follows Obama as she begins her book tour for her memoir. During this time, Obama reflects with the audience on her time in the White House. These reflections are deeply personal, allowing viewers to catch a closer glimpse at Obama that isn’t able to be seen through the news or social media.

Obama discusses certain moments of pain she’s experienced through her lifetime while offering simple messages of motivation and hope. As a viewer, I found it extremely interesting to see this side of the former First Lady, and it was inspiring to see someone so respected open up and expose their more vulnerable side by discussing hard moments in their lives.

My favorite part of this documentary was when Obama would talk with the youth– typically students– I enjoyed these scenes because I felt the documentary connected to me by displaying Obama discussing with younger people. And these scenes, in my opinion, shed the most light on Obama’s insights and thoughts, as she answered many interesting questions with complete honesty and genuineness regarding the struggles she’s faced due to her race and gender as well as her thoughts on the 2016 election.

“Becoming” provides deep insight into the daily and past life of the former First Lady Michelle Obama. The thoughts and concerns she gives the audience is completely genuine and allows the audience to reflect on their own lives as well. I would recommend this documentary to anyone, regardless of one’s political views, as “Becoming” shows the audience a new way of thinking all while providing hope and inspiration.