Netflix Acquires Young Obama Drama, “Barry!”

The critically acclaimed drama that was so well received at the Toronto International Film Festival, Barry has been purchased by Netflix.

Set in 1981 in New York City, the fact-inspired pic revolves around a young Barack Obama as he tries to find his way as a college student in a new city. He is faced with questions about race, culture, and identity in what proves to be a crucial year in the life of the future U.S. president.

The film was reportedly a hot property with several distributors said to be in the hunt for the with Netflix jumping out in front of the competitors with an initial bid in the $4.5 million range.

Premiering in the Special Presentation section of the festival, the film was reportedly a crowd pleaser. Anchored by a winning performance by unknown actor Devon Terrell, Barry once again proves that films about the 44th President of the United States continues to be festival favorites.

Previously, Terrell played the lead in Steve McQueen’s HBO pilot, Codes of Conduct. While that pilot didn’t get picked up, this film is his first big role. Director Vikram Gandhi previously directed the festival-winning documentary, Kumare, which featured Anya Taylor-Joy, Straight Outta Compton‘s Jason Mitchell, Ashley Judd, Boyhood‘s Ellar Coltrane and newcomer Avi Nash.

This is the second film about the formative years of Obama, after Southside With You, which chronicles his first date with future First Lady Michelle Robinson.