Barry
The brief
Devon Terrell disappears into young Obama with an uncanny physical presence that never feels like mimicry, capturing the future president as just another searching college kid navigating identity and belonging. The film moves at a contemplative pace through 1980s Columbia, feeling more like intimate character observation than typical biopic grandstanding. Gandhi keeps things refreshingly small-scale, focusing on quiet moments of self-discovery rather than telegraphing historical importance. Perfect for anyone who enjoyed Boyhood or other slow-burn coming-of-age stories that trust you to find meaning in ordinary moments.
The verdict
If you have patience for slow-burn character studies and appreciate intimate portraits of self-discovery, this is a beautifully observed coming-of-age story anchored by Devon Terrell's remarkable performance. If you expect typical biopic moments or need faster pacing in your dramas, you'll likely find this too contemplative and uneventful.
Watch with
- 👤 Perfect for solo viewing or thoughtful discussion
- ⚠️ May bore viewers wanting fast-paced entertainment
Heads up
- Themes of racial identity and belonging (moderate)
- College drinking and partying (brief)
Credits
- Director
- Vikram Gandhi
- Cast
- Devon Terrell, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jason Mitchell, Ellar Coltrane, Jenna Elfman, Linus Roache, Avi Nash
Official synopsis
A young Barack Obama forges his identity while dealing with race, divergent cultures and ordinary life as a New York City college student.
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Amsterdam (2022)
Both explore identity formation through young idealists navigating complex social landscapes.
Total runtime: 1h 44m + 2h 14m = 3h 58m
