“Southside with You” (2016) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Richard Tanne

Starring Tika Sumpter and Parker Sawyers

‘Remarkable Romantic Drama’

Let me start off by saying that I’m not a fan of romantic comedies. Over the last few years, these films have become rather stale and predictable. Whether it be due to annoying characters, cheesy jokes or the predictable happy-ever-after ending, these films have never appealed to me. 

Although romantic comedies are not my cup of tea, Richard Tanne’s latest film “Southside With You” took me by surprise. A charming, thoughtful and surprisingly heartfelt date movie, it focuses on the first date between two famous real-life figures: Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Robinson. The film shows how these interesting people from different walks of life got to know each other and eventually fell in love. A witty script along with terrific performances from two gifted actors help bring this relationship to life. Even though you know where the story is heading, you can’t help but be swept away by one of the most enjoyable romantic comedies of the year.

Set in 1989, “Southside With You” tells the true story of how Barack Obama, long before he was President of the United States, wooed his future wife Michelle Robinson on their first date. The film takes place over a single day as we get to learn who these people are, where they come from and how they formed a relationship that would forever change each other’s lives.

At a first glance, it is a story that makes you wonder if Hollywood is running out of ideas. There are so many fascinating aspects of Barack Obama’s life that one could explore from his career as a politician to his job as president of the United States. Obama’s first date with his wife seems like the least exciting of them all. However, writer-director Richard Tanne and a pair of talented actors prove why this story deserves to be told and offer a fresh take on a genre that has deteriorated over the years.

Perhaps, what is most refreshing about “Southside With You” is it’s simplicity. At it’s core, it is simply about two ordinary people with hopes, dreams and aspirations walking and talking to each other about life. One would imagine that after a while this would get boring and tedious, but the film remains engaging thanks to an intelligent script. Writer-director Richard Tanne has a knack for drawing the viewer in through dialogue. Although the conversations between Barack and Michelle are long and drawn out, the clever, witty and hilarious dialogue gives insight into who they are as people. By the end of it all, you feel as if you’ve gotten to know this couple very well and wouldn’t mind spending another evening in their company.

To give credit where it’s due, the talented actors who play this famous couple are wonderful and have charming on-screen chemistry. Although it is challenging to portray such influential and iconic people, Tika Sumpter and Parker Sawyers capture the essence of what makes these individuals inspiring to people around the world.

From the moment she steps onto the scene, Sumpter captures the kind yet ferocious woman that Michelle Obama was known to be. Sumpter shows how a woman who was initially reluctant to date was won over by a man whom she related to. Although Sumpter may not be the most well-known actress in Hollywood, she delivers a star-making performance that will hopefully gain her the recognition she deserves.

Parker Sawyers also deserves a round of applause for his spot-on portrayal of Barack Obama. Not only does he have an uncanny resemblance to the President, but he captures the personality traits that made him such an inspirational person. Whether it is the charming way in which he continuously pursues Michelle or his ability to deliver rousing speeches in front of large crowds, Sawyers brilliantly portrays a man who was in search for love long before he ever dreamed of becoming president.

One of the highlights of “Southside With You” is an uplifting scene in which Barack Obama, played by Sawyers, delivers a motivational speech at a community gathering. Parker Sawyers shines the most in this particular scene, showing the leadership qualities that helped Obama on his journey to becoming a president. It’s a short yet significant scene that touches your heart in a way that few romantic comedies ever do.

Such moments of magic are sprinkled throughout “Southside With You”, but unfortunately it takes time to get to them. Before the film gets to the inspirational speech, there is a great deal of walking and talking that may test your patience. While the slow pacing helps to develop the characters, the film occasionally drags and could have been more eventful. For these reasons, this is the kind of film that will not appeal to everyone.

Nevertheless, those who love romantic comedies and have an interest in history will be swept away by “Southside With You”. It is a simple yet endearing film that will remind you of the first time you fell in love.

3.5/5 stars