“Melania,” the Amazon MGM-produced documentary following the usually guarded U.S. first girl as she prepares for her husband Donald’s second inauguration, opened in theaters Friday.
The extensive launch got here a day after a lavish premiere on the Kennedy Center, just lately redubbed the Trump-Kennedy Center, the place the 55-year-old former mannequin’s outspoken husband referred to as the movie “glamorous, very glamorous.”
At a displaying in Washington, the place a serious winter storm has snarled transit, Savannah Harrison advised AFP she had bought her ticket as a result of she “was just very intrigued to see the behind the scenes.”
Unlike most reviewers in U.S. media, she was delighted by the movie.
“In contrast of what we see from President Trump everyday, it’s just another aspect that it humanizes them a little bit more,” she stated, admitting that she went into the movie with a optimistic view of the primary girl.
In Los Angeles, the place voters opted in opposition to Trump 2-to-1 in 2024, a billboard for the documentary was defaced to make it seem as if the primary girl was defecating on an American flag.
The 1 hour 44 minute movie follows the usually guarded Melania through the 20 days main as much as the January 20, 2025 inauguration. After its theatrical launch will probably be accessible for streaming on Prime Video.
From the presidential couple’s Florida property to Trump Tower in New York and the White House, the primary girl goes from appointment to appointment, making ready her outfits for Inauguration Day and deciding on decor for his or her return to Washington.
There are not any sensational revelations, although she does focus on the deep impression of her mom’s loss of life. She additionally says her favourite singer is Michael Jackson.
Surprise visitors additionally make appearances, together with French first girl Brigitte Macron, who holds a video name along with her incoming American counterpart.
While the movie grants uncommon entry into her life, “Melania” has additionally given an perception into the best way U.S. enterprise titans have lined as much as pay tribute to the Trump administration previously yr.
Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos has grown notably nearer to Trump, securing a primary seat on the inauguration and telling the Washington Post newspaper he owns to favor pro-business editorials.
U.S. media say that of Amazon’s $40 million licensing deal for the movie, Melania, who served as government producer, will obtain 70 %. The subsequent highest bid, from Disney, was reportedly solely $14 million.
At a viewing in Florida, Jannet Iglesias was enthusiastic concerning the movie, calling it “incredible.”
“I think that everyone has to come and see it. I’m going to come for the second time,” she stated.
U.S. media has been much less enthusiastic in its opinions, with The Atlantic calling the documentary a “disgrace” and the Variety commerce journal describing it as a “shameless infomercial.”
Expected viewership for the movie has additionally been a lot mentioned on-line, with many anticipating weak gross sales.
In South Africa, the movie was withdrawn from main theaters simply earlier than its launch, with the distributor citing “the current climate.”
South Africa’s authorities has had very tense relations with Trump, notably over his unfounded allegations of there being a “genocide” in opposition to White individuals within the nation.
The movie has additionally been roundly critiqued for its director: Brett Ratner.
The director behind the “Rush Hour” franchise was in 2017 accused of sexual assault by actresses Natasha Henstridge and Olivia Munn, in addition to 4 different girls, within the midst of the #MeToo motion. He has denied any wrongdoing.
© 2026 AFP