Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- warm
- witty
- sincere
- date night
- black history month
What critics said
Critics broadly praised Richard Tanne's engaging screenplay and direction, along with Parker Sawyers and Tika Sumpter's convincing, warm performances in this fact-based romance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film focuses on Barack Obama and Michelle Robinson before their public prominence, treating their first date as the origin point of a major partnership.
Barack and Michelle spend the afternoon talking through work, race, ambition, art, and personal expectations while he tries to win her over.
The date is inseparable from Chicago's South Side and the couple's experiences as Black professionals navigating race, class, and representation.
The story follows one summer afternoon and evening as the pair travels across Chicago on their first date.
Films like Southside with You, and why
Loving
real-life romance, intimate dialogue, and historically grounded character drama
Before Sunrise
warm period romance centered on a consequential first meeting and social context
The Photograph
biographical relationship drama with strong performances and understated emotional development
Love Jones
black romantic drama blending personal connection with broader cultural identity
Movie Details
- Director
- Richard Tanne
- Release Date
- 2016-08-26
- Runtime
- 80 min
- Rating
- 5.6 / 10 (206)
Cast
- Parker Sawyers
- Tika Sumpter
- Vanessa Bell Calloway
- Phillip Edward Van Lear
- Deanna Reed-Foster
- Jerod Haynes
- Gabrielle Lott-Rogers
- Taylar Fondren
- Donn C. Harper
- Preston Tate Jr.
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Southside with You about?
- A charming, historically grounded single-day romance follows Barack Obama and Michelle Robinson as an uncertain first date becomes the beginning of a consequential partnership.
- What is Southside with You like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Southside with You as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Southside with You violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Southside with You.
- What did critics think of Southside with You?
- Critics broadly praised Richard Tanne's engaging screenplay and direction, along with Parker Sawyers and Tika Sumpter's convincing, warm performances in this fact-based romance.
- Which films are like Southside with You?
- Films with a similar feel include Loving, Before Sunrise, The Photograph, and Love Jones.
- How long is Southside with You?
- Southside with You runs 80 minutes.
- Where can I watch Southside with You?
- In United States, Southside with You is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand.
