Reviews of the $107 million Amazon documentary on Melania Trump, released in cinemas worldwide over the weekend, have been overwhelmingly negative. The film, which focuses on the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump’s return to the White House, has earned just one star on Rotten Tomatoes despite opening to an impressive $8 million at the box office.
Harsh Words from Prominent Reviewers
Xan Brooks described the documentary as a “gilded trash remake of The Zone of Interest,” comparing it to the film about Nazi commandant Rudolf Höss and his family’s life near Auschwitz. He called it “dispiriting, deadly and unrevealing,” adding that while a compelling story about Melania’s journey from Slovenian model to first lady exists, this version falls short. Brooks noted her demeanor: “She glides from the fashion fitting to the table setting, and from the ‘candlelit dinner’ to the ‘starlight ball’, with a face like a fist and a voice of sheet metal.”
Frank Scheck labeled it a hagiography that fawns excessively over its subject, making viewers feel unpatriotic for not praising it. He highlighted director Brett Ratner’s involvement, whose career faced allegations in 2017 that he denied, suggesting a perceived pardon due to ties with Trump.
Propaganda or Mockumentary?
Joy Press called the film “interminable” and akin to a mockumentary parodying the first lady. She stated, “If you were making a movie that parodied the current first lady of the United States, I’m not sure what you’d do differently.” Press criticized the lack of visual flair, contrasting it with Leni Riefenstahl’s style, and pointed to endless scenes of opulent Trump aesthetics as Melania moves through towers, jets, and galas.
Brian Truitt observed a disconnect because Melania avoids addressing the camera directly. He mentioned Trump’s discussions about son Barron but not his mother, noting Barron as the most intriguing figure due to curiosity about his perspective on the events.
Maureen Dowd termed it a “gilded infomercial,” dispelling fantasies of Melania as a trapped figure: “Many have fantasised that the first lady was Rapunzel in the tower, pining to be saved from the ogre. It turns out there is no mystery, no dark anguish.”
Karl Quinn remarked that revelations about the first lady are scarce, comparing them to the sparsity of hair on her husband’s head.
Trump’s Positive Reaction and Behind-the-Scenes Details
President Trump viewed the 104-minute film at a private White House screening and praised it as “really great.” He added, “But it really brings back a glamour that you just don’t see any more. Our country can use a little bit of that, right?”
Reviewers also pointed to the soundtrack’s odd choices, starting with “Gimme Shelter” by the Rolling Stones at Mar-a-Lago, followed by tracks like Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” Ravel’s “Bolero,” and James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World.” These selections hint at irony, given lyrics touching on violence, allegations, power, and gender dynamics. Melania personally selected the music, as confirmed by senior adviser and producer Marc Beckman, who noted her oversight of creative aspects including editing, ads, and the trailer. Michael Jackson ranks among her favorite artists.
