Melania Trump released her new documentary, Melania, and the reaction split sharply between critics and audiences. Rotten Tomatoes displayed an 11 percent critic score while verified viewers delivered an extraordinary 99 percent.
The film offers a 20-day window into her life before the inauguration of the 47th president as she and Donald Trump prepared to return to the White House. Critics attacked the film’s intentions, even as audiences embraced its tone and storytelling.
Sharp Critic Pushback Sparks Online Debate
Reviewer Simon Foster of Screen-Space argued that the documentary crossed a line, writing, “This is not a film concerned at all with the America of today; it is propaganda that serves the formation of a future non-democracy.” Another critic, Adam Olinger, said he would “rather rewatch January 6th.”
Meanwhile, the pop culture account DiscussingFilm posted the critic and audience scores side by side, triggering immediate reactions. One user dismissed reviewers as “a bunch of salty libs trying to ingratiate themselves to their equally unimpressive lefty friends.”
Another viewer added, “But it has 99% audience score? I wasn’t going to watch it, but now maybe I will!”
Verified Viewers Praise the Film’s Emotional Tone
Verified audience members described the film as warm, personal, and deeply revealing. One viewer wrote, “A wonderful look into the life of the United States First Lady. Absolutely fascinating, perfect music choices for every scene. The USA is definitely represented most eloquently through Melania Trump. All scenes with Barron Trump are delightful. Highly recommend this movie.”
Another user appreciated the candid moments, saying, “An absolutely delightful peek behind the scenes of the days before, during and after the inauguration. So many special moments captured and [I’m] so grateful Melania decided to share them with the American people.”
VIPs Share Personal Impressions at the Premiere
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba shared what she hoped viewers would see. “I hope they get to see what I see,” she Told. “She is incredibly astute. She is incredibly involved. She does everything with grace. She has taken the punches right next to him and always held herself out with such grace. And I’m happy that for a woman who’s a girl boss, who’s literally a legend, and should have been on the cover of Vogue, she’s going to have her time to shine.”
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins also praised the first lady. “I consider her a good friend,” she said. “She is the kindest, smartest, most wonderful friend, obviously very private, and just does it her way.
So I think we get to see a little bit of that in the movie tonight. She’s just such a breath of fresh air because she literally, almost like President Trump, and this is why they’re such a good match. She’s just going to do it her way.”
Strong Box Office Projections Add Momentum
Early projections indicated that Melania was on track for a stronger than expected opening, with estimates topping eight million dollars in North America by Friday. The numbers reinforced the film’s strong appeal among audiences despite harsh critical pushback.
