Melania Movie Reviews 2026: What Critics and Audiences Are Saying About the Controversial Documentary

The highly anticipated “Melania” documentary has finally arrived, and the reactions are flooding in. Amazon MGM Studios’ $75 million investment in this First Lady documentary is making headlines, but not for the reasons the studio hoped. From brutal review bombing to behind-the-scenes chaos, here’s everything you need to know about the film that’s dominating entertainment news.

Quick Overview: What Is the Melania Documentary?

The “Melania” documentary is a biographical film that follows First Lady Melania Trump during the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration. Directed by controversial filmmaker Brett Ratner and produced by Amazon MGM Studios, the film promises unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to one of the most private figures in American politics.

Key Film Details:

• Director: Brett Ratner (Rush Hour, X-Men: The Last Stand)
• Runtime: 1 hour 44 minutes
• Rating: PG
• Release Date: January 30, 2026 (Theatrical), followed by Amazon Prime streaming
• Production Budget: $40 million acquisition + $35 million marketing = $75 million total
• Distribution: 2,000 theaters in the US, 5,000 worldwide

Early Reviews: The Verdict Is Harsh

The Melania documentary is facing an unprecedented wave of criticism from multiple fronts. Online movie platforms, particularly Letterboxd, have become ground zero for what many are calling “review bombing” — though the negative sentiment extends far beyond coordinated campaigns.

Letterboxd Ratings and Audience Response

On the popular film cataloging platform Letterboxd, which boasts over 17 million users, the documentary currently holds a disappointing rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars. More than 100 reviews have flooded the platform, with many users openly stating they haven’t watched the film and have no intention of doing so.

Typical user reactions include harsh criticism of both the film’s subject matter and its controversial director. The platform saw such an influx of negative reviews before the film’s official release that administrators temporarily removed all reviews, citing an incorrect premiere date in their database as the reason for the automated action.

Rotten Tomatoes Predictions

Film analysts are predicting dire outcomes for the documentary on Rotten Tomatoes. According to CNN data expert Harry Enten, there’s a 63% chance the film will receive a rating below 20% on the platform — a threshold that would classify it as “Rotten” and place it among poorly received documentaries.

As of the film’s theatrical release date, no critic reviews have been published on Rotten Tomatoes, as Amazon MGM Studios chose not to screen the film for critics ahead of its premiere. This decision is highly unusual for a major studio release and has only intensified speculation about the film’s quality.

Social Media Reactions

Social media platforms have erupted with commentary about the documentary. Film critics and entertainment journalists have been particularly vocal, with several prominent reviewers stating they have no intention of watching the film. One film critic posted on X (formerly Twitter): “I would rather pour bleach into my eyes and eat wallpaper paste than ever watch this piece of garbage, let alone review it.”

The backlash has extended beyond the film itself to include criticism of attendees at the White House screening, particularly after Apple CEO Tim Cook was photographed at the event, sparking calls for an Apple boycott among some consumers.

Behind-the-Scenes Revelations: Chaos on Set

Perhaps more damaging than the negative reviews are the reports emerging from the film’s production crew. According to a detailed investigation by Rolling Stone, the making of “Melania” was marked by significant dysfunction and labor issues.

Crew Members Requested to Be Uncredited

In an extraordinary development, approximately two-thirds of the crew members who worked on the film in New York requested not to have their names formally credited in the final product. This is highly unusual in the film industry, where credits are typically seen as valuable resume builders and professional recognition.

One crew member who will be credited on the film expressed regret about the decision, stating: “I’m much more alarmed now than I was a year ago” after witnessing the first year of Trump’s second presidency.

Director Brett Ratner: The “Worst Part” of Production

Multiple crew members described director Brett Ratner as “the worst part of working on this project.” Ratner, who has been out of Hollywood since 2017 following sexual misconduct allegations by multiple women, reportedly created a difficult working environment.

Specific complaints about Ratner included:

• Leaving a constant trail of “discarded orange peels and gum wrappers” throughout the set
• Eating “in the grubbiest way possible” while crew members were denied meal breaks
• Dropping chewed gum into a crew member’s coffee cup “without acknowledging my existence”
• Being described as “slimy” by production staff

One crew member stated bluntly: “Brett Ratner was the worst part of working on this project.”

Melania Trump: Professional Despite Chaos

Interestingly, while the director received harsh criticism, First Lady Melania Trump was consistently described in positive terms by crew members. Staff called her “friendly,” “totally nice,” and “very engaged” in the production process — “the opposite of Brett Ratner,” according to one source.

Melania served as an executive producer and was reportedly involved in every aspect of the film, including creative decisions, trailer editing, color correction, music selection, and the marketing campaign. She even designed the film’s logo.

Working Conditions: “Highly Disorganized, Very Chaotic”

Beyond personality conflicts, crew members described extremely difficult working conditions:

• Long Hours: Marathon workdays with no meal breaks
• Transportation Issues: Crew members followed Melania onto a Boeing 757 to film at Mar-a-Lago, then had to arrange their own transportation back from Palm Beach, Florida
• Food Restrictions: Strict ban on outside food despite lack of meal breaks
• Security Complications: Working with the First Lady and Secret Service created logistical challenges that made standard documentary practices impossible

One insider summarized the experience: “People worked really hard. Really long hours, highly disorganized, very chaotic. It wasn’t easy money.”

The Financial Picture: A $75 Million Gamble

Amazon MGM Studios’ massive investment in “Melania” represents one of the most expensive documentary acquisitions in history. The financial breakdown reveals the unprecedented scale of the project:

Record-Breaking Acquisition Deal

Amazon paid $40 million for the distribution rights to “Melania” — the highest price ever paid for a documentary. This figure eclipsed previous documentary acquisition records and represented a significant financial commitment before a single frame of finished footage had been seen.

Of this $40 million, First Lady Melania Trump herself earned $28 million (70% of the acquisition cost), according to reporting by The Wall Street Journal. This unprecedented payment to a documentary subject has raised ethical questions about journalistic independence and editorial control.

Aggressive Marketing Campaign

Beyond the acquisition cost, Amazon reportedly spent an additional $35 million on marketing and promotion. This marketing budget far exceeds what’s typical for documentary films. For comparison, “RBG” — one of the most successful documentaries in recent years — had a marketing budget of just $3 million.

Amazon’s marketing blitz included:

• $3.5 million in national linear TV advertising between December 22, 2025, and January 23, 2026
• Over 461 million estimated household impressions from network marketing
• Promotional events, including a display at the Sphere in Las Vegas
• Heavy presence on Fox News, which reached four of the highest-rated programs

Box Office Projections: A Potential Disaster

Despite the massive investment, industry analysts are predicting extremely poor box office performance. Projections vary, but none are encouraging:

• Boxoffice Pro: $1-2 million opening weekend
• National Research Group: $5 million domestic opening
• Current Tracking: “Soft” ticket sales reported in both the US and UK markets

If these projections hold, “Melania” would represent one of the biggest financial disasters in documentary history relative to its investment. Even the high-end $5 million projection would represent less than 7% return on Amazon’s total $75 million investment from theatrical release alone.

The Brett Ratner Factor: Controversy Returns

The decision to hire Brett Ratner as director has proven to be one of the most controversial aspects of the entire project. Ratner’s involvement represents his first major film work since 2017, when his career came to an abrupt halt following serious allegations.

The #MeToo Allegations

In November 2017, six women came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against Ratner. The accusations were detailed in a Los Angeles Times investigation and included:

• Actress Natasha Henstridge alleged that Ratner physically forced her to perform oral sex when she was 19 years old
• Actress Olivia Munn claimed that Ratner “furiously” masturbated in front of her on a film set
• Four additional women made similar allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior

Ratner denied all allegations and even filed a defamation lawsuit against one accuser, though he has never faced criminal charges. The allegations led to immediate professional consequences: Warner Bros. severed their lucrative production deal with Ratner’s RatPac Entertainment, and numerous planned projects were canceled.

The Epstein Connection

Adding to the controversy, Ratner’s name appeared in documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in custody while facing sex trafficking charges. While the exact nature of any relationship remains unclear, the association has further damaged Ratner’s public image.

Why Was Ratner Chosen?

According to multiple reports, Brett Ratner was the only director considered for the project. His selection appears to have been based on several factors:

• Personal Connection: Ratner first connected with Donald Trump in 2011 while filming “Tower Heist” at Trump Tower in New York
• Trump Family Relationship: President Trump reportedly told people at Steven Mnuchin’s 2017 wedding that he was a fan of Ratner’s work, particularly the “Rush Hour” franchise
• Mar-a-Lago Proximity: Ratner has been living in an eight-bedroom house at Mar-a-Lago and spending time with the Trump family
• Previous Trump Work: Ratner produced the pro-Donald Trump documentary “The Man You Don’t Know” in 2024

The hiring has led to accusations that the documentary represents a “comeback vehicle” arranged through political connections rather than merit-based selection.

The White House Premiere: Tone-Deaf Timing

The lavish White House screening of “Melania” on Saturday, January 25, 2026, sparked immediate controversy due to its timing. The private, 70-person black-tie event took place on the same evening that federal Border Patrol agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse in Minneapolis, during a civilian demonstration.

The Event Details

The screening transformed the White House East Room into a makeshift theater (the usual screening room had been demolished as part of renovations). The event featured:

• A full military band playing “Melania’s Waltz,” a composition by Hollywood composer Tony Neiman created for the film
• A white wall emblazoned with “Melania” in large black letters for photo opportunities
• Monochrome-themed décor throughout
• Special edition popcorn containers
• White House-shaped biscuits served on gold plates
• Gift bags containing limited-edition copies of Melania’s 2024 memoir, framed collectible screening passes, and branded cookies

Star-Studded Guest List

The screening attracted high-profile attendees from technology, business, entertainment, and international politics:

• Apple CEO Tim Cook
• Amazon CEO Andy Jassy and Amazon MGM Studios head Mike Hopkins
• Zoom CEO Eric Yuan
• AMD CEO Lisa Su
• Boxing legend Mike Tyson and his wife Lakiha Spicer
• Queen Rania of Jordan
• Self-help author Tony Robbins
• Photographer Ellen von Unwerth (who shot the film’s poster)
• New York Stock Exchange President Lynn Martin
• Conservative influencer Link Lauren

Political Backlash

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez publicly criticized the decision to hold a celebratory premiere while the nation was reeling from the killing of Alex Pretti and facing an impending major snowstorm. The contrast between the lavish White House party and the ongoing national crisis led many to accuse the administration of being “tone-deaf” and “out of touch.”

The criticism intensified when Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem called Pretti a “domestic terrorist” despite no evidence supporting such a characterization. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later attempted to walk back Noem’s comments, but the damage to the administration’s image had been done.

Cast and Featured Subjects

While “Melania” is primarily a documentary about the First Lady herself, the film features numerous supporting subjects who provide context and insight into her world:

Main Subjects

• Melania Trump: The film’s primary subject and executive producer
• Donald Trump: Appears as “President Donald J. Trump” in supporting footage
• Barron Trump: The First Couple’s son appears in family scenes
• Viktor Knavs: Melania’s father

Fashion and Design Collaborators

• Hervé Pierre: Fashion designer who worked on Melania’s inaugural wardrobe
• Adam Lippes: Fashion designer
• David Monn: Event designer

Inauguration Planning Team

• Peter Sohn: Member of the planning team
• Tham Kannalikham: Event coordinator
• Yaqi Sun: Design team member
• Hayley Harrison, Casey Nalls, Gabrielle Daymond, Alexandra Veletsis: Various planning team members

Religious Figures

• Monsignor Joseph P. LaMorte: Religious advisor
• Father Enrique Salvo: Religious figure

International Figures

• Brigitte Macron: First Lady of France
• Aviva Siegel: International guest

What the Documentary Promises to Show

According to official promotional materials, “Melania” offers viewers unprecedented access to the First Lady’s world during a critical transition period. The documentary’s official synopsis promises:

“Step inside Melania Trump’s world as she orchestrates inauguration plans, navigates the complexities of the White House transition, and moves her family back to the Nation’s Capital. With exclusive footage capturing critical meetings, private conversations, and never-before-seen environments, MELANIA showcases Mrs. Trump’s return to one of the world’s most powerful roles.”

Specific Content Areas

Based on the trailer and promotional materials, the documentary appears to cover:

• Inauguration Planning: Behind-the-scenes footage of Melania coordinating the elaborate ceremonies and events
• Wardrobe Design: The creation process for her iconic inauguration outfits, including the black and white gown worn to the inaugural ball and the famous wide-brimmed black hat
• Family Moments: Interactions with President Trump and their son Barron during the transition period
• International Travel: Footage of Melania’s jet-setting and international diplomatic activities
• White House Transition: The logistical and personal challenges of moving back into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
• Private Conversations: Never-before-seen intimate moments and discussions

Marketing and Promotion: An Unprecedented Push

Amazon’s promotional campaign for “Melania” represents one of the most aggressive marketing efforts ever mounted for a documentary film. The scale and scope of the promotion reflects the studio’s massive financial investment and apparent confidence in the project — confidence that now appears misplaced given early reception.

Theatrical Release Strategy

The film is receiving a wide theatrical release unprecedented for a documentary:

• Domestic: 2,000 theaters across the United States
• International: 5,000 theaters worldwide
• United Kingdom: Over 100 cinemas
• Premiere Events: Special screenings in 20 cities on January 29, 2026

This theatrical release was a contractual requirement of Amazon’s acquisition deal, even though documentaries typically perform poorly in theatrical exhibition compared to streaming platforms.

High-Profile Promotional Events

Amazon and the Trump team coordinated numerous promotional activities:

• Kennedy Center Premiere: Gala premiere at the rebranded “Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts” on January 29, 2026
• NYSE Bell Ringing: Melania Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on January 28 and delivered brief remarks promoting the film
• Las Vegas Sphere: Promotional event at the iconic Las Vegas venue
• White House Screening: Exclusive 70-person screening for VIPs and influencers

Presidential Promotion

President Donald Trump has been actively promoting his wife’s documentary on Truth Social, though his efforts have been somewhat awkward. In one post, Trump wrote simply: “MELANIA, the Movie, is a MUST WATCH. Get your tickets today — Selling out, FAST!”

This brief endorsement stands in stark contrast to Trump’s typical practice of writing lengthy, paragraph-long reviews of books he enjoys. The brevity led some observers to speculate that even the president struggled to find more to say about the film.

When asked about the documentary by reporters, Trump’s comments were equally tepid: “I’ve seen pieces of it. It’s incredible. I tell you, I think it’s going to do very [well]. She did a book and the book was a big No. 1 bestseller and this is a movie and, uh, it seems to be captivating a lot of people’s attention. It’s, uh, very good.”

Why the Backlash? Understanding the Negative Response

The intense negative reaction to “Melania” stems from multiple factors that have converged to create a perfect storm of criticism:

Editorial Control Concerns

One of the most significant issues is Melania Trump’s unprecedented level of control over the documentary. As both subject and executive producer, she had input on virtually every aspect of the film, including:

• Editorial decisions about what footage to include or exclude
• Color correction and visual presentation
• Music selection and score
• Trailer editing and marketing materials
• Logo design and branding

This level of control raises serious questions about the film’s credibility as a documentary. Critics argue that a subject having such extensive control over their own biographical film essentially turns it into a “propaganda piece” rather than an objective documentary work.

Financial Conflicts of Interest

The fact that Melania Trump earned $28 million from the project creates an obvious financial incentive for the film to present her in the most favorable light possible. This payment structure fundamentally undermines any claim to journalistic independence or objective portrayal.

Perceived Propaganda Value

Multiple crew members expressed discomfort with what they viewed as the “propaganda element” of the project. One anonymous crew member told Rolling Stone: “I feel a little bit uncomfortable with the propaganda element of this.”

Critics argue that the film serves primarily as a vanity project and political advertisement rather than a genuine attempt at documentary filmmaking, which traditionally seeks to illuminate truth rather than promote a carefully crafted image.

Brett Ratner’s Troubled History

The director’s history of sexual misconduct allegations and his appearance in Epstein-related documents has made the project toxic to many viewers before they even see a single frame. For many in the film community and general public, Ratner’s involvement represents an unforgivable decision that taints the entire project.

Timing and Context

The film’s release comes at a particularly fraught moment in American politics. The lavish White House premiere occurring on the same night as Alex Pretti’s killing crystallized many Americans’ feelings that the Trump administration is disconnected from the struggles and concerns of ordinary citizens.

Lack of Critical Perspective

Early descriptions of the film suggest it offers little in the way of critical examination or challenging questions. Viewers and critics expected either a genuinely revealing look at Melania Trump’s private world or a more critical examination of her role and influence. What appears to have been delivered instead is a “highly stylized,” “gorgeous” visual presentation that prioritizes aesthetics over substance.

Comparison to Other First Lady Documentaries

To understand the “Melania” controversy in context, it’s helpful to compare it to other documentaries about First Ladies:

“Becoming” (Michelle Obama, 2020)

• Platform: Netflix
• Reception: Generally positive, praised for intimacy and authenticity
• Key Difference: Released after Obama’s time as First Lady, providing more distance and perspective
• Critical Response: Rotten Tomatoes score of 91%

“The First Lady” (Various First Ladies, 2022 Series)

• Platform: Showtime
• Format: Dramatized anthology series, not documentary
• Reception: Mixed reviews, with praise for performances but criticism of uneven storytelling

“Looking for Melania Trump” (2020)

• Format: Previous documentary about Melania
• Reception: Largely negative, described as “dull” and “toothless”
• Key Criticism: Failed to provide meaningful insight into its subject
• Relevance: The negative reception of this earlier Melania documentary suggests audience skepticism about documentaries on this particular subject

Industry Perspectives: What Film Professionals Are Saying

Beyond user reviews and social media reactions, industry professionals and film experts have weighed in on the “Melania” project with largely critical assessments:

Box Office Analysts

Industry analysts have been uniformly pessimistic about the film’s commercial prospects. The consensus view is that Amazon has massively overpaid for a property with extremely limited commercial appeal. As one analyst noted, even successful documentaries rarely justify this level of investment in theatrical distribution.

Documentary Filmmakers

Professional documentarians have expressed concern that “Melania” sets a troubling precedent for the genre. The level of subject control and financial compensation threatens to undermine documentary filmmaking’s claim to objectivity and truth-seeking.

Entertainment Journalists

Entertainment reporters covering the film have noted the unusual restrictions placed on coverage. The decision not to screen the film for critics before its public release is highly unusual for a major studio release and suggests a lack of confidence in the product.

The Streaming Future: Will Amazon Prime Save It?

After its theatrical run, “Melania” will debut on Amazon Prime Video, where the studio likely hopes to recoup some of its massive investment through streaming viewership. However, even this path forward faces significant challenges:

Subscriber Interest

Amazon Prime has approximately 200 million subscribers worldwide, providing a large potential audience. However, early indicators suggest limited interest even among this captive audience. The negative publicity and poor reviews may deter even curious viewers who could watch at no additional cost.

Algorithmic Recommendations

Streaming platforms typically promote content based on viewing patterns and quality metrics. If the film performs poorly in its initial weeks on Prime Video, Amazon’s own algorithms may deprioritize it in recommendations, further limiting its reach.

Long-Term Value

Unlike theatrical releases, which generate immediate revenue or losses, streaming content provides value over time through subscriber retention and brand prestige. However, “Melania” appears unlikely to serve as a significant subscriber draw or prestige addition to Amazon’s content library.

Cultural and Political Implications

Beyond its merits or failures as a film, “Melania” represents a significant cultural and political moment that reveals tensions in American society:

Media Access and Political Power

The film demonstrates how political power can be leveraged to secure lucrative media deals and rehabilitation opportunities for controversial figures like Brett Ratner. This raises questions about fairness and access in an industry that claims to value meritocracy.

Propaganda vs. Documentary

The project has reignited debates about the line between documentary filmmaking and propaganda. When a subject exercises extensive control and receives substantial payment, can the resulting work legitimately claim documentary status?

Hollywood and Politics

The involvement of major Hollywood figures and Silicon Valley executives in the White House screening illustrates the complex relationship between entertainment, technology, and political power in contemporary America.

What Comes Next: Follow-Up Projects

Amazon’s $40 million deal with Melania Trump includes not just this documentary but also a three-part follow-up docuseries. Given the reception to the initial film, questions now arise about whether Amazon will proceed with this additional content:

The Docuseries Plans

The planned docuseries was intended to provide ongoing coverage of Melania Trump’s activities as First Lady. However, the financial disaster of the theatrical release may lead Amazon to reconsider this investment or significantly scale back the project.

Brett Ratner’s Future Projects

Ratner’s involvement in “Melania” was widely seen as a comeback vehicle that could lead to additional directing opportunities. The film’s failure makes such a comeback significantly less likely. However, Ratner is already developing a fourth “Rush Hour” film, reportedly at President Trump’s personal request to Paramount Skydance.

Lessons for Documentary Filmmaking

The “Melania” debacle offers several important lessons for the documentary film industry:

Editorial Independence Is Non-Negotiable

Documentaries that give subjects extensive control over content lose credibility with audiences who value authentic, unfiltered perspectives. The financial failure of “Melania” reinforces that audiences can detect and reject overly controlled narratives.

Star Power Doesn’t Guarantee Success

Despite featuring one of the most famous women in the world, backed by one of the largest media companies, “Melania” is failing commercially. This demonstrates that documentary success requires more than famous subjects — it requires compelling storytelling and perceived authenticity.

Theatrical Distribution for Docs Remains Risky

The decision to release “Melania” in 2,000 theaters represents a massive gamble that appears to have failed spectacularly. Most documentaries find their audiences through streaming platforms and film festivals rather than theatrical releases. Amazon’s strategy of forcing a theatrical release as part of the acquisition deal now appears seriously misguided.

Final Verdict: Is “Melania” Worth Watching?

Based on all available evidence, including crew testimonials, industry analysis, and early viewer reactions, “Melania” appears to be a documentary that satisfies neither supporters nor critics of its subject. The film’s primary issues include:

Critical Weaknesses

• Lack of editorial independence due to subject control
• Overly polished, heavily stylized presentation that prioritizes aesthetics over substance
• Failure to ask challenging questions or provide genuine insight
• Association with a controversial director whose presence taints the project
• Poor timing with current political controversies
• Perceived propaganda value rather than documentary merit

Limited Positives

• High production values and visual quality
• Unique access to private moments and environments
• Fashion and design content for those interested in haute couture

Who Might Still Want to Watch

Despite the overwhelming negativity, certain viewers may still find value in “Melania”:

• Strong Trump supporters interested in positive portrayals of the First Family
• Fashion enthusiasts interested in haute couture and inaugural wardrobe design
• Political scientists studying political propaganda and image management
• Film students examining the ethical boundaries of documentary filmmaking

Conclusion: A $75 Million Miscalculation

The “Melania” documentary stands as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing subjects excessive control over their own biographical films, the risks of theatrical distribution for documentaries, and the consequences of ignoring #MeToo concerns in hiring decisions.

Amazon MGM Studios’ $75 million investment appears headed for a spectacular failure, with box office projections suggesting the studio will recover less than 10% of its investment from theatrical release. While streaming on Amazon Prime may provide some additional value, the negative publicity and poor reviews will likely limit viewership even among subscribers who could watch at no additional cost.

For viewers considering whether to watch “Melania,” the consensus from early reactions is clear: this is a vanity project that prioritizes carefully controlled image management over genuine documentary insight. Those seeking authentic understanding of Melania Trump’s life and role will likely come away disappointed, while those looking for critical examination will find the film fundamentally lacking.

The documentary’s failure raises important questions about the relationship between political power, media access, and documentary ethics that will likely resonate far beyond this single film’s poor performance.

Where to Watch “Melania”

Theatrical Release: January 30, 2026, in approximately 2,000 US theaters and 5,000 theaters worldwide

Streaming: Coming to Amazon Prime Video 3-4 weeks after theatrical debut (estimated late February/early March 2026)

Runtime: 1 hour 44 minutes

Rating: PG (Some Thematic Elements) —

Last Updated: January 29, 2026

Note: This article will be updated as official critic reviews become available and as the film’s box office performance is tracked.