Southside with You

Southside with You is an enchanting biographical romantic drama inspired by the first date between former US President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Released in 2016, it stars Tika Sumpter as Michelle Robinson and Parker Sawyers as a young version of Barack Obama. Vanessa Bell Calloway also puts up a remarkable performance as Michelle's mother. The film was directed and written by Richard Tanne in his directorial debut, crafting a heartwarming and authentic narrative of the first date that led to one of the most iconic couples in American history.

The film is set during a beautiful summer day in Chicago, in 1989. The story follows the lives of two young, ambitious individuals – Michelle Robinson, an associate at a Chicago law firm, and Barack Obama, a Harvard law student employed as an associate at the law firm for the summer. Sumpter's relentless portrayal of Michelle as an intelligent, career-focused woman reluctant to mix business with pleasure is thought-provoking, showing the challenges associated with dating in a work setting, especially for a woman working in a predominantly male workplace. Her initial refusal to accept this 'day out' as a date sets an interesting stage for the movie.

Sawyers does an astonishing job in his portrayal of the energetic, idealistic and charming Barack Obama. His portrayal encapsulates Obama’s charisma, his ability to captively engage his audience, and his innate propensity for activism. Sawyers remarkably echoes Obama's strength of character and his nuanced understanding of race, culture, and socio-politics. The movie presents his passion for inspiring change right from his early years.

The narrative takes the audience through their initial awkward interactions, slowly unveiling the palpable chemistry that manifests between the two lead characters. The film beautifully switches from their passionate debate on life and ambitions to their shared love for art, music, and literature. Their journey, as they roam around South Chicago taking in an art exhibition, attending a community organizing meeting, and finally wrapping up the evening with a screening of Spike Lee’s film "Do the Right Thing," is delightful and thought-provoking.

The aesthetic backdrop of South Chicago plays a critical role in framing this touching narrative. The cinematography wonderfully captures the essence of the windy city with its diverse neighborhoods and vivid architecture. It gives us playful glimpses of the Chicago skyline, busy streets, little cafes, parks, and the charm of a summer evening in the city.

Southside with You is not just a love story. It seamlessly interweaves aspects of racial politics, community struggles, and gender-biased societal norms into the narrative. This social underpinning provides depth to their romantic overtures and ensuing bond. The dialogues are rich and provocative, sparking meaningful discussions around persevering inequality and the hope of a better tomorrow.

Appreciably, the movie adeptly handles the arc of this renowned couple without descending into hagiography. It does not lean heavily on their historical importance but presents them as relatable, flawed individuals who find a common ground and fall in love. Vanessa Bell Calloway plays Michelle’s disapproving mother with great flair, signifying the family apprehensions linked with interracial dating during that period.

The film is packed with stellar performances; the chemistry between Sumpter and Sawyers is believable and compelling. The actors remarkably capture the Obamas' voice, demeanor, and body language without making it feel forced or exaggerated. The conversations feel real, the emotions are genuine, and the performances are honest, making it an intriguing watch.

To summarize, Southside with You is a compelling portrait of the early blossoming love between two individuals who would later go on to become the President and First Lady of the United States. It paints an intimate picture of their survival in a society fraught with racial and gender discriminations, and their determination to rise above it. This movie is a profoundly moving romance interlaced with social commentary, providing both entertainment and food for thought. Whether or not you possess keen interest in the life of Obama's, this film is a fascinating reflection on love, ambition and the will to make a difference.