Malia Obama, eldest daughter of former President Barack Obama, unveiled her directorial debut at last month’s Sundance Film Festival. However, she opted for the stage name Malia Ann, distancing herself from her renowned surname.
In her 18-minute short film ‘The Heart,’ Malia is credited as a writer and director. The narrative unfolds around a lonely man mourning his mother’s demise, stemming from an argument about groceries and an unusual request in her will.
Despite her efforts, reviews on Letterboxd have been less than flattering. One critic accused her of dropping a bomb, seemingly untouched by criticism due to her father’s legacy. Other reviews on the platform dubbed the film a “real stinker,” a “half-baked short,” and “truly dreadful,” culminating in an average rating of 3.2 out of 5 stars.
Malia faced charges of nepotism, with one reviewer pointing out that adopting the name ‘Malia Ann’ doesn’t shield her from such criticisms. Even professional reviews acknowledged her famous lineage; The Daily Beast labeled the film “solid but mostly forgettable” in their “Nepo Baby of the Week” section. The New York Times initially praised it as a “promising debut” before hinting at influential connections, raising eyebrows about a potential Spielberg and Capshaw association in the credits.
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