Watch The End: Inside the Last Days of the Obama White House

The End: Inside the Last Days of the Obama White House is a documentary film that focuses on the final days of President Barack Obama's presidency. The film gives an inside look into the workings of the White House and the individuals who played key roles in the Obama administration. The documentary is directed by Greg Barker, who also produced the film. It features interviews with various White House staffers, including speechwriters, advisers, and cabinet members, as well as President Obama himself. The film seeks to provide an intimate portrait of the final days of one of the most consequential presidencies in American history.

Throughout the film, viewers are given a behind-the-scenes look at how the staff of the White House works to prepare the President for day-to-day tasks, as well as major events such as the State of the Union address. The filmmakers explore how staff members prepare briefing books and try to anticipate the President's needs, while also highlighting the intense pressure and long hours that come with working in the White House.

The film also delves into some of the major policy decisions made by the Obama administration during its final days, including the decision to commute the sentence of Chelsea Manning, the release of additional transcripts from Guantanamo Bay, and the response to Russian interference in the 2016 election. The film explores how these decisions were made by the White House staff, and the challenges they faced in the process.

In addition to exploring the policy decisions of the Obama administration, The End also focuses on the personal relationships between White House staffers and the President. The film highlights the deep respect and admiration that many staffers had for President Obama, and the sense of loss they felt as the end of his presidency approached. It also explores the role that family played in Obama's decision-making, including his close relationship with his daughters and his wife, Michelle Obama.

One of the film's strengths is its ability to provide a balanced view of the events leading up to the end of the Obama presidency. While many of the individuals interviewed in the film express sadness and nostalgia at the end of the administration, several members of the incoming Trump administration are also given a chance to speak about their thoughts and expectations. This includes interviews with former press secretary Sean Spicer and chief strategist Steve Bannon, who provide a contrasting view of the transition period.

Throughout the film, viewers are also given a sense of the larger historical context of Obama's presidency. The filmmakers use archival footage and interviews with historians to provide a framework for understanding the impact of Obama's policies and the reactions they elicited from the American public. This gives the film a sense of depth and gravity, and underscores the importance of the events it chronicles.

Overall, The End: Inside the Last Days of the Obama White House is a well-produced and engaging documentary that provides a unique look into the final days of the Obama presidency. With its mix of personal stories, policy insights, and historical context, the film is a valuable contribution to our understanding of this pivotal moment in American history.

The End: Inside the Last Days of the Obama White House is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.