Review of the Documentary “Becoming You” (2020) – A Global Celebration of the First 2,000 Days of Life

Introduction

Released on Apple TV+ in November 2020, Becoming You is a six-part documentary series narrated by Academy Award-winning actress Olivia Colman. Created by Wall to Wall Media, the series follows over 100 children from across the world, documenting the crucial first 2,000 days of their lives from birth to age five. With breathtaking cinematography and a warm, reflective narration, the series captures the wonder of early childhood development while highlighting both the universal milestones and the cultural diversity of growing up.

The Global Perspective: Childhood Without Borders

One of the most compelling aspects of Becoming You is its global scope. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the rural landscapes of Tanzania and the steppes of Mongolia, the series transports viewers into vastly different environments, showing how culture, geography, and traditions influence the way children learn, play, and grow. Yet, despite the cultural variety, the series reinforces a powerful truth: childhood is a universal journey. Whether it is a three-year-old in Japan running his first errand or a toddler in Texas learning to speak, the developmental milestones connect us all.

Understanding Child Development: The First 2,000 Days

Each episode explores a distinct theme of early growth which include; movement, communication, identity, relationships, and emotional awareness. Through real-life stories, viewers witness how children develop motor skills, learn language, discover friendship, and begin to form a sense of self. Colman’s narration ties these narratives into broader developmental psychology, reminding us that these foundational years shape who we become.

A Family-Friendly Celebration of Humanity

Becoming You is rated TV-G and is explicitly designed for family viewing. Its positivity and focus on resilience make it suitable to watch with children, sparking meaningful conversations about growth, culture, and shared humanity.

Why Becoming You Matters

In a world often divided by politics, culture, and inequality, Becoming You reminds us of our common humanity by spotlighting the earliest stages of life. By documenting the beauty and complexity of childhood across cultures, it calls on us to see the value of investing in these foundational years. For parents, educators, and policymakers, the series underscores a critical message: how we nurture children in their earliest days has lifelong consequences, not just for the child, but for society as a whole.

Lessons for Families and Societies

Beyond parenting, Becoming You holds crucial insights for the wider society:

 For Families:

1. Make the early years count; talk, read, play, and be emotionally present.
2. Allow age-appropriate independence; small risks build resilience.
3. Value individuality; every child’s pace and personality are different.

For Schools:

1. Prioritize early childhood education that nurtures emotional, social, and cognitive growth, not just academic skills.
2. Create safe and inclusive spaces where children can explore curiosity without fear.
3. Partner with parents to reinforce learning and values.

For Policymakers & Communities:

1. Invest in early childhood programs.
2. Support parents with family-friendly policies (parental leave, childcare access).
3. Recognize children as citizens with rights, not just dependents.

In short, Becoming You is not just a celebration of childhood, it is a call for societies to protect and prioritize children’s earliest years, recognizing that what happens then echoes for a lifetime.

Conclusion

Becoming You is more than a documentary; it is a visual love letter to childhood. By bringing together over 100 children’s stories from every corner of the world, it affirms that while environments may differ, the journey of becoming human unites us all.