Ever wondered what happened behind the scenes of I Love Lucy? If so, this is the film to watch this Holiday Season.

Being the Ricardos directed By Aaron Sorkin centers on the complicated professional and romantic relationship of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. The film takes place during a critical production week of the fan-favorite sitcom “I Love Lucy”. Sadly, it wasn’t laughter always after a cut, Ball deals with rumors about Arnaz’s infidelity which eventually hurt the show, their relationship, and Lucy herself. All said above and more is explored in the biographical drama.

As someone who enjoys the show “I love Lucy” I was very excited when this project was announced. I was even more intrigued when Nicole Kidman was cast as Lucille Ball. Kidman without a doubt is perfect as Lucy. Kidman in an interview said how scared she was to bring an icon to the big screen. She knew the responsibilities and the pressure behind the role. She did not want to disappoint anyone. She even stated how challenging was to portrayal the lucy everyone know from the sitcom and the one behind closed doors.

To deepen the story, Sorkin places iconic scenes from popular episodes. Don’t worry, they are truly convincing. Kidman does an extraordinary job resembling Lucy. Her mannerisms, body movements, and facial expressions are on point. She is animated and believable. At the end of the film, Kidman makes Lucy a woman that stands her ground and refuses to take any more hurt. In the third act of the film, there is a scene that Kidman is very dazzling, which will land her a nomination as best actress for next year’s Oscars. (She is that good!)

What shines here is the script but that’s it. Overall, there is too much story which I appreciated but at times it creates confusion. The story is promoted that it takes place in a week, but at points, the film doesn’t feel that way. It seems the story took place in a period of a few months. At one point, we learn about Lucy’s pregnancy, but that’s never ever revisited in the film again. The importance of the story gets lost with additional story plots that aren’t necessary whatsoever. Also, the flashbacks were confusing. There were no dates given and with the CGI given to Kidman for Lucy, it was hard to tell the difference between ages. Some of the prosthetics on Kidman’s face are questionable, but overall are forgetful as Kidman acting is a thumbs up.

Also, Sorkin decides to take the interview approach in the film with supporting characters being interviewed after years of the series of events which is not necessary. It creates more confusion, some of their opinions cause even more confusion. I don’t know it was done correctly, but it was a good try.

Additional actors were all great with each one keeping the story interesting and showing enough commitment. Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz is quite special channeling the charm of the Cuban-American actor-musician. His charm and his energy offer some of the best scenes in the film, including a version of “Babalu” that is shot well and offers the audience what Arnaz was all about. Bardem’s risk to dance, play, and sing is memorable. Together, Bardem and Kidman bounce back and forward to create an authentic connection that is genuine on screen.

Being the Ricardos feels like a missed opportunity to tell a good story. It’s informative and personal, but nothing else. The effort is there but misses the mark. There are too many ideas that were thrown into the mix. Sadly, they don’t work together and feel flat. Fans of the show will feel nostalgia for the recreation of popular scenes from the sitcom and additional treats like the classic theme song and black and white format. The homage is there but becomes unmemorable with the bad narrative. If you are a fan of the show, I highly recommend you to see the film. C+

Being the Ricardos is playing in selected theatres and is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video now.