Becoming
Netflix | Release Date (Streaming): May 6, 2020 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
66
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 18 Critic Reviews
Positive:
12
Mixed:
6
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
90
Film ThreatLorry KiktaMay 8, 2020
The important part about Becoming is not necessarily the facts you learn about Michelle Obama, but seeing her in action. Read full review
88
Chicago Sun-TimesRichard RoeperMay 5, 2020
For every sobering note, Becoming has a dozen uplifting moments. Read full review
80
The TelegraphAnita Singh May 5, 2020
If you're a fan of hers, you've heard it all before. Still, if you're a fan of hers, there is plenty here to enjoy. Read full review
75
Movie NationRoger MooreMay 8, 2020
Mostly, Becoming is a collection of “feels,” hugs and tears with fans, students and family, and big promotional moments that director Nadia Hallgren wisely never allows to come off as a “victory lap.” Entering stadiums to the gushing introductions of the likes of Oprah, played in by Alicia Keys’ anthem “This Girl is on Fire,” could easily have led this unapologetic hagiography to that. Read full review
75
The Associated PressLindsey BahrMay 5, 2020
Hallgren weaves together a compelling narrative with these public and private interviews that builds chronologically to the present. Read full review
70
CNNBrian LowryMay 7, 2020
The inherent contradiction in Becoming, Netflix's documentary about Michelle Obama, is repeatedly articulated by the former First Lady herself: How can someone reclaim a semblance of a normal life when you are one of the world's most recognizable figures? The latest project under the Obamas' Netflix production deal doesn't fully answer that riddle, but it's an interesting contemplation of the question. Read full review
70
Los Angeles TimesRobert LloydMay 5, 2020
Some would call this picture flattering — not unflattering, anyway — though it strikes me as a believable picture of a person who doesn’t need flattery, either to look good or to feel good about herself. Read full review
70
The Hollywood ReporterDaniel FienbergMay 5, 2020
Without being revelatory, the documentary shows the events that made her, points to the things that inspire her and leaves viewers hanging as to where we're likely to see Michelle Obama next — or if that's even the question we're supposed to ask. Read full review
70
Washington PostHank StueverMay 5, 2020
The film (streaming Wednesday, directed by Nadia Hallgren) is a thoughtful scrapbook, briskly perused — an inside look that never gets too inside. Read full review
67
Original-CinLiam LaceyMay 20, 2020
Director Nadia Hallgren’s Becoming gives us a good impression of hanging out with the First Lady without really getting us past the surface, although we get some sense of her drive. Read full review
65
TheWrapSteve PondMay 6, 2020
It’s tricky to tell a feel-good story in a time in which many people are feeling anything but good, but “Becoming” film insists on doing just that. Read full review
63
Chicago TribuneMichael PhillipsMay 5, 2020
There’s no way to experience Becoming apolitically, not now. You don’t have to consider it first-rate documentary filmmaking of any sort to feel something watching it. Read full review
60
Arizona RepublicBill GoodykoontzMay 7, 2020
Obama is so smart and insightful, even in response to the canned and near-sycophantic questions during the question-and-answer sessions on stage, that it makes you yearn for a real interview, a tougher documentary, one that trusts both Obama and the audience more. Read full review
60
VarietyPeter DebrugeMay 7, 2020
Far more than the memoir, the film presents a manicured version of the way Michelle Obama sees herself — and yet, even such a carefully image-managed impression can be telling, since it diverges so significantly from the way the world perceives her. Read full review
60
VoxAlissa WilkinsonMay 7, 2020
It’s not a puff piece, but it also doesn’t contain any big revelations. Read full review
60
The New York TimesLovia GyarkyeMay 6, 2020
It hits all the notes of a megastar choosing to share her life with the public: selective biographical moments and star-studded guest appearances, plus a healthy dose of motivational messaging about the virtues of education and the holistic ownership of personal narratives. Read full review
60
The GuardianPeter BradshawMay 5, 2020
This is Obama’s own film, so we can’t expect any tough scrutiny. Read full review
58
IndieWireKate ErblandMay 5, 2020
While the film’s star and subject is never less than dazzling, even her most inspiring moments can’t obscure a paper-thin exploration of a remarkable life in transition. Read full review
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