Melania: Twenty Days to History by Brett Ratner

I watched the documentary Melania tonight in the theater with about 15 other people. One guy walked in wearing a hat that read “Gulf of America.” I knew right away I was among Trumpers.

The film was entertaining. It leaned heavily into propaganda, fashion, and behind-the-scenes access to the life orbiting Donald Trump. It played more like a visual scrapbook of a First Lady’s life. Like her or hate her, Melania Trump is attractive, she has undeniable style, and she knows how to hold presence, especially now in the second term.

One of my first criticisms came right out of the gate. The opening line suggested that this story was being told because “everybody wants to know.” That immediately felt hollow. Not everybody wants to know, and that framing came across as a little egocentric. 

The luxury of the Trump lifestyle is not very relatable, either. The film does not aggressively rub wealth in your face, but it is always present. I would be lying if I said a part of me did not wish I had access to some of that level of comfort and privilege. 

As a positive, there were moments where I found myself connecting in small ways and laughing at her and Trump. Trump is undeniably funny. If you disagree, you're lying; he just is. 

Technically, a number of shots were out of focus, and not in an intentional rack focus way. They were just soft, and that was distracting. For a film of this profile, it stood out more than it should have.

From a storytelling standpoint, I wanted more depth. More backstory. More history. More insight into the struggle. But the film never really builds a strong narrative arc. It feels mostly flat. You walk in knowing what you know, and you walk out without many new revelations. For a documentary that feels like a missed opportunity. 

Politics aside, it was still an interesting look into a fashion-forward First Lady figure and a carefully curated public persona. She seems approachable. She seems intentional. I don't, not like her. It functions more as an access piece than an investigative or emotionally revealing portrait.

I would give the film a 6.5 out of 10.