The initial idea behind “Southside With You,” drawing from Barack and Michelle Obama's earliest date, holds promise that the film doesn’t quite manage to fulfill. It falls short of being a genuinely romantic movie while simultaneously pushing too hard with its racial themes, resulting in a talky production by writer-director Richard Tanne that feels tedious rather than entertaining. The story unfolds over a single day and centers on one date, taking place in Chicago. Barack, portrayed by Parker Sawyers, a summer associate at a law firm, asks Michelle (Tika Sumpter) to spend the day with him, during which they talk and discover their city together. The film’s beginning evokes similarities to the “Before Sunrise” series, but quickly devolves into something overly sentimental and didactic. The movie depicts Obama as someone who champions those struggling financially and facing hardship, which isn't necessarily a problem, though it can be grating. Religious symbolism is incorporated so heavily that there's an instance in a church where sunlight highlights his figure. While the initial conversations during the “first date” scenes are enjoyable, charming, and romantic thanks to the actors’ charisma, the film loses its way when these discussions shift toward issues of race and poverty, feeling like it’s trying too hard to appeal to liberal audiences. It ultimately becomes a flavorless effort at making observations about society, gender roles, and racial identity. The runtime is brief (84 minutes), but even less time would have been preferable. The story simply lacks the substance needed for an engaging movie.

Source on TMDB