The documentary about Melania Trump, former US First Lady, had a lukewarm reception at the UK and Ireland box office, sparking a range of reactions from critics. But here's where it gets controversial: the film, titled 'Melania', brought in a modest £32,974 (€37,992) during its opening weekend, which is a far cry from the success of other films.
This intimate profile, authorized by Melania herself, offers a glimpse into the 20 days before her husband, Donald Trump, resumed his presidency in 2025. The film, produced by Amazon MGM studios, is a concise, under-two-hour portrayal of Melania's life as she readies herself and her family for their return to the White House. It premiered in 155 cinemas, averaging €245 per site, and ranked 29th in the UK and Ireland box office, according to BFI data.
But the controversy doesn't end there. The film's earnings were significantly lower than the re-release of 'The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King', which took in €248,555 from 169 cinemas, ranking 14th. And this is the part most people miss: the documentary's lackluster performance pales in comparison to 'Hamnet', which dominated the box office with a staggering €1,623,988 in ticket sales, roughly 42 times more than 'Melania'.
Critics had a field day with the film. Donald Clarke of The Irish Times called it 'shameless propaganda that could put you to sleep'. The Guardian awarded it zero stars, while The Telegraph dismissed it as a 'branding exercise' filled with 'North Korea-style propaganda with a dash of Ralph Lauren'. The New York Times described the documentary as a 'stage-managed' account of the days preceding Trump's second term.
The film's reception raises questions about the public's appetite for political documentaries, especially those with a pro-Trump slant. Was the film's poor performance a reflection of the audience's political stance, or did it simply fail to captivate viewers? And what does this say about the role of documentaries in shaping public opinion?
What are your thoughts on the 'Melania' documentary and its reception? Do you think it deserved the critical backlash, or is there more to the story? Share your opinions and let's spark a thoughtful discussion!
