Melania Trump Documentary: From Empty Theaters to Packed Houses – America’s Deep Political Divide

The Melania Trump documentary, titled Melania (2026), directed by Brett Ratner and released by Amazon MGM Studios, has sparked intense debate since its theatrical debut on January 30, 2026. This film provides an inside look at the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump's second inauguration, focusing on Melania Trump's role in preparations, her personal life, and her return to the White House. With a massive production and marketing budget reportedly exceeding $75 million (including around $40 million for rights and production, plus $35 million in promotion), the project aimed for broad appeal but instead highlighted deep political divides in viewer reactions and reception.

Melania Trump Documentary Overview

Melania is a biographical documentary offering unprecedented access to the First Lady during a pivotal transition period. Filmed over just 20 days in late 2024 and early 2025, it features exclusive footage of meetings, private conversations, fashion choices, inauguration planning, and family moments. Melania Trump served as a producer, retaining significant editorial control, which critics argue results in a highly curated, promotional portrayal rather than an objective examination. The film emphasizes her elegance, composure, and behind-the-scenes contributions, often likened to a "coffee table book" in visual style with glossy imagery and a sophisticated soundtrack.

Brett Ratner Melania Movie Direction and Controversy

Brett Ratner, known for films like Rush Hour, directs this project—his first major work since facing sexual misconduct allegations in 2017 (which he has denied). Ratner described his role as a "fly on the wall," but production insiders have called it chaotic and disorganized. The involvement of Ratner, combined with the film's perceived propagandistic tone favoring the Trump family, has fueled backlash. Despite this, the premiere at the Kennedy Center (recently associated with Trump branding) drew high-profile attendees, including Nicki Minaj, conservative figures, and celebrities.

Melania Rotten Tomatoes Score and Critical Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, Melania has faced harsh criticism from professional reviewers, earning a low critic score (around 6-12% based on early reviews). Outlets like The Guardian, Variety, The Atlantic, and The New York Times described it as inert, airbrushed, lacking depth, and resembling an infomercial or propaganda piece rather than a substantive documentary. Critics note its narrow focus, avoidance of controversy, and heavy emphasis on aesthetics over insight.

In contrast, the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes is near-perfect (often reported at 99%), with many viewers praising Melania's grace, patriotism, and the film's positive depiction of her life.

Melania Reviews: Polarized Opinions

Melania reviews split sharply along political lines:

• Supporters call it inspiring, elegant, and a refreshing look at the First Lady's strength and style.
• Detractors label it shallow, self-serving, and emblematic of broader entertainment industry issues.

This divide mirrors broader cultural responses, with some comparing it unfavorably to other high-profile documentaries.

Melania Box Office Performance and Theater Attendance

The Melania box office has underperformed expectations for its scale, with opening weekend estimates around $8 million domestically from roughly 1,778 theaters—solid for a documentary but far below blockbuster hopes given the investment. Reports indicate mixed attendance: some screenings in conservative-leaning areas or suburbs (e.g., parts of Indiana, Florida, or Missouri) drew packed houses of enthusiastic fans, often older women applauding elements like Melania removing her heels after a long day.

However, many urban theaters reported empty or near-empty showings, with journalists sometimes outnumbering regular viewers. Pre-release hype and massive marketing did not translate to widespread sell-outs, leading to discussions of it as a niche appeal film rather than a mainstream hit.

Melania Movie Near Me: Availability and Viewer Experiences

For those searching Melania movie near me, the film played widely in theaters nationwide upon release, though availability varies by location. Viewer responses captured by outlets like CNN show America's political division in real time: enthusiastic crowds in pro-Trump areas contrasted with sparse attendance elsewhere, where some screenings felt deserted. Interviews with audiences revealed admiration from supporters for Melania's poise and behind-the-scenes glimpses, while others stayed away due to perceived bias.

Overall, the response to this Melania Trump documentary underscores ongoing polarization in the U.S., where the same film can fill seats with cheering fans in one region and play to reporters in another. Whether viewed as a glamorous portrait or a missed opportunity for deeper exploration, Melania remains a cultural flashpoint tied to broader political narratives.