⭐️⭐️✨ 2.5

I missed this one during its limited theatrical release. Intended as an insightful documentary, it isn’t presented in a traditional, raw, “fly-on-the-wall” perspective. Instead, its likely high-budget polish, direction, and editing make it feel overly scripted, ultimately lacking a sense of realism.

The film offers a look into the 20 days leading up to President Trump’s 2025 inauguration. Because Melania is credited as a producer and serves as the narrator, the final product is far from a “warts-and-all” expose; it is a highly controlled, unnatural, and a carefully crafted presentation. Melania retained full editorial control and post-production involvement. Despite having a director, the film feels heavily micromanaged. Developed by her own production company and funded by Amazon (likely after a bidding war), it lacks any pretense of impartiality.

At the time of its release, it was widely reported that the film was poorly received in the UK, drawing limited footfall in theaters. It is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Though I understand much more successful elsewhere like the USA.

During the first 30 minutes, while artistic, only a few moments felt genuinely truthful. But then something strange occurred. Around the 30-minute mark, after addressing her mother’s death (anniversary), Gaza, and her favorite music, the presentation shifted. Suddenly, the film felt a little more honest, capturing a seemingly more authentic version of Melania and the events surrounding her. It almost became a film of two halves.

Strangely for a documentary attempting to capture history in the making, the soundtrack features an abundance of 80s pop. While enjoyable, it feels entirely out of place across the 105-minute running time. President Trump also features in the film, and his moments actually feel a bit more naturally captured then those featuring Melania.

Oddly enough, I enjoyed the film. To a limited extent, it does provide a rare insight into her life, and the footage capturing the actual inauguration is interesting. As expected, the documentary is used for political messaging and PR to promote the First Lady, though getting a look inside the White House was genuinely interesting. The film closes by recognizing previous First Ladies and outlining what Melania achieved and intends to do next, which ultimately leaves it feeling a bit like a party political broadcast. It feels especially bizarre given her total involvement, particularly when the film includes statements about her “unwavering support for the American people.”

Weirdly, the film closes by listing only the director, the featured individuals, and a few basic production and photography credits. Online speculation suggests that many crew members chose to remain anonymous due to the extreme control Melania exercised over the production. Based purely on the film’s presentation, I wouldn’t be surprised if that were true, though it remains hard to judge definitively as the credits are still quite long.

If you are interested in watching it, it is currently available on Amazon Prime.

Directed by Brett Ratner, Melania (2026) is an intimate, behind-the-scenes documentary that chronicles the personal and professional experiences of First Lady Melania Trump during the 20 days leading up to her husband Donald’s second presidential inauguration on January 20, 2025. Functioning as a self-styled “creative experience” rather than a traditional expose, the film follows her as she manages meticulous wardrobe fittings with designer Hervé Pierre, coordinates the logistical and aesthetic move back into the White House, and holds high-level video calls and meetings with prominent figures like French First Lady Brigitte Macron and former hostage Aviva Siegel. Against a backdrop of personal reflections on her late mother and her journey as an immigrant, the narrative tracks the escalating security pressures and ceremonial demands of the transition, ultimately culminating in an unfiltered, close-up look at Inauguration Day from her unique vantage point.

Online synopsis 

Film Rating

Music/Sound

2 out of 5

Story/plot

3 out of 5

Acting/Performances

n/a

Overall

2.5 out of 5

Certification: PG
Running time: 105 minutes
Screening type: 2D