Melania
Offering unprecedented access to the 20 days leading up to the 2025 Presidential Inauguration — through the eyes of the First Lady-elect herself — step inside Melania Trump's world as she orchestrates inauguration plans, navigates the complexities of the White House transition, and reenters public life with her family. With exclusive footage capturing critical meetings, private conversations, and never-before-seen environments, Mrs. Trump returns to one of the world's most powerful roles.
Trailer
Review
In 'Melania,' director Brett Ratner attempts to pull back the curtain on one of the most enigmatic figures in modern American political life. The documentary promises an intimate, fly-on-the-wall look at the 20 days leading to the 2025 Presidential Inauguration, positioning itself as a definitive portrait of Melania Trump's reentry into the White House. While the film delivers on its promise of exclusive access, it often feels more like a meticulously curated press release than a penetrating documentary. The cinematography is crisp and professional, capturing the opulent, tense environments of the transition period, from private residences to strategic meetings. However, Ratner's direction lacks critical distance, rarely questioning the narrative presented by its subjects. The film's structure, following the countdown to inauguration, provides a natural tension, but the emotional and political complexities are largely glossed over in favor of ceremonial preparation. Performances, in the documentary sense, are a mixed bag; Melania is portrayed as a poised, detail-oriented planner, while cameos from figures like designer Hervé Pierre add texture. The technical execution is polished, yet the overall product feels sanitized, missing the raw, revelatory moments that define great documentaries.
Pros
- ✓Unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to transition logistics and private spaces
- ✓High production value with crisp, intimate cinematography in exclusive settings
- ✓A unique chronological structure that builds procedural tension towards inauguration day
- ✓Offers a rare, if filtered, perspective on Melania Trump's personal management style
Cons
- ✗Lacks journalistic rigor or critical perspective, feeling overly sympathetic and curated
- ✗Fails to explore deeper political or personal conflicts, resulting in a superficial narrative
- ✗Pacing can be slow, overly focused on ceremonial details at the expense of substantive insight
'Melania' is a fascinating but flawed documentary that will satisfy viewers seeking a visually polished, insider look at the mechanics of a presidential transition but will deeply disappoint those hoping for meaningful psychological or political analysis. Its value lies almost entirely in its access—the footage of private meetings, wardrobe selections, and family interactions is undeniably a historical artifact. However, the film's refusal to challenge or contextualize its subject renders it a missed opportunity. It plays more as an extended vanity piece than a substantive exploration of power, public life, or the person at its center. For political junkies and observers of Trump-era politics, it offers crumbs of new visual information, but little nourishing insight. Approach it as a well-produced primary source, not as an illuminating documentary. Its low audience score is a testament to its polarizing and uncritical nature, though it remains a curious time capsule for a specific viewer.
🎯 Who Should Watch
Political documentarians, observers of Trump-era politics, viewers interested in White House ceremonial preparations and behind-the-scenes logistics.
⭐ Standout Elements
The film's sole standout element is its exclusive, never-before-seen access to Melania Trump's private planning sessions and environments during a historically contentious transition, presented with a sleek, high-budget aesthetic.
🎬 Overall Impact
A must-watch film that delivers on both entertainment and emotional depth.
📽️ This film represents solid filmmaking that deserves your attention.
