Get ready, folks. The much-talked-about documentary Melania hits Amazon Prime Video this Monday, March 9. After a theatrical run that surprised box office watchers, this film about First Lady Melania Trump is now streaming for anyone with a Prime subscription.
Directed by Brett Ratner, it follows her through the hectic 20 days before Donald Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025. Amazon MGM Studios snapped up the rights for a hefty sum, reported between $40 million and $75 million across outlets like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. That price tag alone sparked chatter, with some calling it a smart bet on viewer curiosity and others questioning the value.
The movie pulled in over $16 million domestically during its limited theater stint starting January 30, kicking off with a solid $7 million opening weekend. For a documentary, that’s impressive, beating recent non-fiction films like After Death from 2023.
Data from Variety showed older white women in red states drove much of the turnout, turning it into a cultural touchpoint for supporters. Now, as it shifts to streaming, Amazon hopes to boost sign-ups and ad revenue, positioning it as must-see for political junkies or anyone fascinated by the Trump family’s world.
What the Film Reveals
Step into Melania Trump’s daily grind, from Mar-a-Lago to New York and D.C. The camera captures her handling inauguration details, like picking outfits and coordinating events, while juggling the White House move and family logistics.
One standout scene shows her visiting a cathedral to honor her late mother, adding a personal layer amid the chaos. Another highlights a meeting with a freed Israeli hostage advocating for her husband’s release, showcasing quieter diplomatic moments.
Ratner films it all with glossy visuals, including plenty of shots of Melania in stilettos navigating her schedule. Donald Trump pops up occasionally, sharing light-hearted banter that fans say highlights their dynamic.
She narrates parts in her signature calm tone, touching on her immigrant roots from Slovenia and her role as a mother to Barron. Producers, including Melania herself and Fernando Sulichin, aimed for an intimate portrait, with exclusive footage of meetings and private conversations. It’s not heavy on interviews from outsiders; instead, it sticks close to her perspective, letting actions speak over commentary.
Public reactions noted how the film avoids softening her image. She comes across as composed and sometimes stern, comfortable with luxury and a large staff. Supporters raved about reliving the election vibe and her grace under pressure.
Screenshot from MELANIA TRUMP’s post/X
Another post from Anna praised the behind-the-scenes work as top-notch. These glimpses make it feel like a fly-on-the-wall experience, though detractors argue it skips deeper context.
The Split in Reactions
Talk about polarized views. Critics slammed it hard, with Rotten Tomatoes scores hovering around 6% to 11% from pros. The Guardian called it a “gilded trash remake of The Zone of Interest,” labeling it exhausting and vain. The New Yorker dubbed it a “forty-million-dollar journey into the void,” criticizing the slick but mid visuals and lack of insight.
NPR described it as “airbrushed and astronomically pricey,” more like a high-heels-forward promo than real nonfiction. Vanity Fair noted some behind-the-scenes bits intrigue, like her staff rejecting info requests, but overall, it falls flat as entertainment. The LA Times went further, saying it has the pulse of an AI screensaver and feels like propaganda.
On the flip side, audiences gave it sky-high marks, up to 99% in some metrics. Fans flooded X with excitement, like one user calling it amazing for its inauguration prep details and Melania’s warmth.
Official posts from Melania’s account and Prime Video hyped the unprecedented access, racking up thousands of likes. Even amid the praise, controversy swirled. Ratner’s past sexual misconduct allegations, which he denies, resurfaced, and Epstein file photos linking him to Jeffrey Epstein fueled backlash.
Screenshot from MELANIA TRUMP’s post/X
Why the Divide Matters
This split mirrors broader divides in pop culture and politics. Supporters see it as an empowering look at a poised leader, while critics view the high cost as a veiled donation or bribe, per Rolling Stone reports on defaced ads and low interest in places like LA.
The New York Times pointed out the film’s massive $35 million marketing push, including personalized popcorn tubs, but noted crew members distancing themselves. With streaming access, more people can weigh in, potentially spiking views from curious neutrals.
As Melania steps back into the spotlight, this doc adds to her narrative of elegance and privacy. Whether you stream it for the history or the drama, it’s clear: opinions stay divided, keeping the conversation alive.
What do you think?