“Barry” (2016): The Origin Story of President Barack Obama

Written by,
Sean Wall

In a month’s time, the Obama Presidency will draw to a close. Eight Years of pivotal making moments that sets President Barak Obama to join the list of great Presidents in United States history. What else could we learn about from the 44th President? Although debuting at the 2016 Toronto Film Festival to critical acclaim, ‘Barry’ is a contemporary artistic look in the life of a young President Barack Obama. His friends knew him as “Barry” as he arrived in New York City in the fall of 1981 to begin his junior year at Columbia University. During his year at the prestigious university, it sorted the foundation for his views on race, the government, and the values to be an American.

The original film is directed by Vikram Gandhi, a Columbia University alumni and told from fellow alum Adam Mansbach who penned the script. Australian actor stars in his breakout role as Barry/Barack Obama and will co-star Ashley Judd (Divergent), Jenna Elfman (Friends With Benefits) along with upcoming actors and actresses, Jason Mitchell (Straight Outta Compton), Ellar Coltrane (Boyhood), Anya Taylor-Joy (The Witch), and Avi Nash (Silicon Valley). There’s no doubt with a stellar cast like this, the drama and depth this film will be phenomenal.

There’s no denying that this film will not be overlooked as Star Wars’ first spin-off film ‘Rogue One’ will be released in theaters only days after “Barry” would stream live in the United States and Canada. Nevertheless, the miracle of change was a social battle long fought and still with a little change this film has the makings of being a big movie this holiday season.

Check out the trailer that debut yesterday below: