A new documentary focused on Melania Trump has sparked fierce debate, with critics and audiences landing on opposite ends of the spectrum. While professional reviewers largely dismissed the film, everyday viewers flooded ratings platforms with praise—creating one of the most dramatic splits seen in recent documentary releases.
On Rotten Tomatoes, critics delivered a brutal verdict, awarding the film just a five percent score. Audiences, however, pushed their rating to a staggering 99 percent, suggesting that fans of the former first lady saw something very different on screen.
The contrast has become part of the film’s story, raising questions about expectations, politics, and what viewers want from a documentary.
Commercially, the picture tells a mixed tale. Ticket sales in the UK were modest, with Vue Cinemas admitting that only a single ticket was sold at one London screening. In the United States, though, the documentary performed far better, marking the strongest documentary box office debut in a decade. Even so, it remains a long way from recouping the reported $40 million Amazon paid to acquire the project, plus an estimated $35 million spent on marketing.
The film follows Melania Trump during the 20 days leading up to her husband Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration. Directed by Brett Ratner, the documentary promises exclusive access—capturing meetings, private moments, and behind-the-scenes preparations as Melania returns to the global spotlight.
But that promise is exactly where many critics felt let down. Several reviewers complained that the film offers style over substance, lingering on shots of Melania boarding planes, exiting limousines, and selecting outfits. One critic described it as a glossy “fluff piece,” arguing that it focuses more on fashion than on politics, policy, or personal history. Others echoed that sentiment, saying the documentary feels disconnected from the economic realities facing most Americans.
Some reactions were even harsher. A number of viewers said the film lacked a clear narrative, offering little insight into Melania’s background, motivations, or evolution. One disappointed supporter said they hoped to learn where she came from and who she really is, only to feel the film avoided those questions entirely.
Yet for supporters, that intimacy—however limited—was the point. Fans praised the documentary as a rare inside look at the demands of being first lady. They highlighted scenes showing constant travel, event planning, and meticulous attention to detail. Several viewers described Melania as a “perfectionist,” noting how the film portrays her maintaining composure and elegance under intense pressure, even during solemn public moments such as appearances at Arlington Cemetery in harsh weather.
Others appreciated the focus on her work with children’s initiatives, saying the film sheds light on projects that often receive less media attention. To them, the documentary succeeds not as a biography, but as a snapshot of a high-stakes period in public life.
Despite its box office success in the US, the film has struggled with reputation. It currently holds a 1.3 out of 10 rating on IMDb, placing it among the site’s lowest-rated titles. Whether viewed as an insightful portrait or an empty exercise in image-making, the Melania documentary has undeniably achieved one thing: it has people talking—just not agreeing.