Being the Ricardos - Film Review

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Released in 2021 and directed by Aaron Sorkin, Being the Ricardos is a biographical drama that delves into the personal and professional lives of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz during a tumultuous week of production for their ground-breaking sitcom I Love Lucy. The film stars Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball and Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz, supported by a stellar cast including J.K. Simmons as William Frawley and Nina Arianda as Vivian Vance. With Sorkin's signature sharp dialogue and a focus on the intersection of creativity, politics, and personal struggles, the film offers a layered exploration of the pressures of stardom, marriage, and innovation in the entertainment industry.

The narrative unfolds over a single, fictionalized week during the production of I Love Lucy, a period when the show was at the height of its popularity in the 1950s. The story interweaves three major crises that threaten the show's future and the personal lives of its stars:

Accusations of Communism: Lucille Ball (Kidman) faces allegations of being a Communist, a claim that could end her career during the height of McCarthyism.

Tabloid Scandal: Rumours about Desi Arnaz’s (Bardem) infidelity create tension in their marriage.

Creative Tensions: Ball and Arnaz clash with network executives and their co-stars over the creative direction of the show, particularly Lucille’s insistence on making the show as authentic and ground-breaking as possible.

Through flashbacks and interviews with older versions of key figures, the film provides insights into Ball and Arnaz’s rise to fame, their unconventional marriage, and the societal pressures they faced as public figures.

At its core, Being the Ricardos is a love story wrapped in a professional partnership. The relationship between Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz is portrayed as both deeply affectionate and fraught with challenges. Their marriage reflects the gender norms and tensions of the era. Despite Lucille’s immense talent and eventual status as a television icon, Desi often feels the need to assert his authority, both as her husband and as a producer.

The film doesn’t shy away from addressing Desi’s infidelity, which creates an emotional undercurrent throughout the story. Lucille’s struggle to reconcile her love for Desi with his betrayals adds depth to her character. Despite their personal issues, the film highlights the mutual respect they had for each other’s talents. Desi’s business acumen and Lucille’s comedic genius made them a formidable team, transforming I Love Lucy into a cultural phenomenon.

The film explores the pressures of stardom, particularly for women in the 1950s. Lucille is constantly under scrutiny, whether for her political affiliations, her appearance, or her role as a wife. The film captures the double standards she faced, as she was expected to excel professionally while maintaining a perfect personal life.

The Communist accusation storyline underscores how fragile a celebrity’s career could be in the face of public scandal. Lucille’s determination to confront the issue head-on demonstrates her resilience and savvy.

As a perfectionist, Lucille is portrayed as fiercely protective of her vision for I Love Lucy. The film shows Lucille pushing back against network executives who want to dilute the show’s authenticity. For instance, her insistence on including a pregnancy storyline—considered taboo at the time - highlights her desire to break new ground in television.

The tension between Lucille and her co-stars, particularly Vivian Vance (Arianda), reflects the complexities of ensemble work. While they respect each other professionally, their personal dynamics are often strained.

Lucille’s journey from a struggling actress to a television trailblazer is a testament to her determination and talent. The film emphasizes Lucille’s role as a trailblazer for women in entertainment. Her transition from a B-movie actress to the star of one of the most successful sitcoms in history is depicted as a result of her relentless drive and innovative thinking.

As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Lucille often faces resistance when asserting her authority. Her ability to navigate these challenges without compromising her vision is one of the film’s most inspiring aspects.



The Communist accusation storyline places the film squarely within the context of McCarthy-era America. The film captures the fear and paranoia of the Red Scare, showing how even a baseless accusation could ruin careers. Rather than succumbing to fear, Lucille confronts the issue directly, leveraging her popularity to defend herself. This subplot highlights her courage and resourcefulness.

Lucille Ball (Nicole Kidman): Kidman delivers a nuanced performance, capturing Lucille’s sharp wit, vulnerability, and determination. The film showcases Lucille’s meticulous approach to comedy, illustrating how she deconstructs scenes to maximize their humour. Kidman portrays Lucille as a multifaceted individual, balancing her public persona with her private struggles. Her resilience in the face of adversity is one of the film’s most compelling aspects.

Desi Arnaz (Javier Bardem): Bardem’s portrayal of Desi highlights his charisma, ambition, and flaws. Despite their personal issues, Desi is shown as a staunch supporter of Lucille’s career, often using his influence to protect her interests. Bardem captures the contradictions in Desi’s character, portraying him as both a loving husband and a flawed individual.

William Frawley (J.K. Simmons): Simmons steals several scenes as the gruff yet wise William Frawley. Frawley’s sarcastic humour provides levity, but Simmons also imbues the character with depth, showing his loyalty to Lucille and Desi.

Vivian Vance (Nina Arianda): Arianda’s portrayal of Vivian Vance highlights the pressures faced by actresses in supporting roles. Vivian’s resentment over being typecast as the less glamorous sidekick adds an interesting layer to her relationship with Lucille.

Aaron Sorkin’s screenplay is filled with his trademark rapid-fire dialogue and sharp wit. However, some critics have noted that the film’s structure—jumping between flashbacks, interviews, and the main storyline—can feel disjointed at times.

Sorkin’s script excels in capturing the dynamics of the entertainment industry and the personal stakes for its characters. The dialogue is engaging and often poignant, reflecting the intelligence and wit of its protagonists. The film’s focus on a single week, while effective in creating tension, limits its ability to explore certain aspects of Lucille and Desi’s lives in greater depth.

The film’s visual style effectively evokes the 1950s, with meticulous attention to detail in costumes, sets, and props. The recreation of I Love Lucy scenes is particularly impressive, capturing the charm and energy of the original show.

Being the Ricardos received mixed-to-positive reviews. Critics lauded the performances of Kidman and Bardem, as well as Sorkin’s sharp dialogue. The film’s exploration of timely themes, such as gender dynamics and the pressures of fame, was also well-received. Some reviewers felt that the film’s structure and pacing detracted from its impact. Others argued that it didn’t delve deeply enough into its characters’ complexities.

Being the Ricardos is a compelling exploration of the personal and professional challenges faced by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. While it may not provide a comprehensive portrait of their lives, it succeeds in capturing the essence of their partnership and the societal pressures they navigated as pioneers in television. With standout performances, sharp writing, and a thoughtful examination of timeless themes, the film is a fitting tribute to two of entertainment’s most iconic figures.

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