Melania Trump’s new Amazon MGM Studios documentary has ignited one of the sharpest score gaps seen on Rotten Tomatoes in recent memory. Professional critics handed the film a strikingly low 11%, while audience members delivered an almost mirror-opposite verdict, awarding it 98%.
The dramatic contrast quickly raised eyebrows, but Rotten Tomatoes addressed the situation directly, stating that there had been no tampering with the audience score and that both ratings reflect submitted reviews.
Directed by Brett Ratner, Melania follows the First Lady over a 20-day period leading up to Donald Trump’s inauguration. The 105-minute film captures her organizing inaugural events, overseeing aspects of the presidential transition, and balancing family responsibilities. Amazon promoted the documentary as offering rare access to the private side of the First Family.
Despite its reported $40 million production budget, critics largely argued that the film lacked substance. Several reviews suggested it offered little new insight, with some describing it as slow, overly self-focused, or emotionally flat. Outlets including The Detroit News, The New Republic, and The Daily Telegraph delivered particularly harsh assessments, questioning both its depth and overall entertainment value.
Audience reactions, however, told a completely different story. Many viewers praised the production quality, music, and overall tone. Supporters described it as inspiring and well-crafted, and some expressed appreciation for what they saw as a more personal portrayal of Melania Trump. A number of audience reviews also suggested that the documentary gave her an opportunity to share her perspective outside of traditional media coverage.
At the box office, the film opened with a solid $7.2 million in the United States, prompting Amazon to expand its theatrical release by roughly 500 screens. However, its momentum slowed quickly. By the following weekend, it had dropped from third to tenth place in domestic rankings, with reports indicating a 67% second-week decline in the U.S. and an even steeper 88% drop in the U.K.
Amazon reportedly secured the project for $40 million after competitive bidding and invested an additional $35 million in marketing, releasing the film in 26 countries. Before its public debut, the documentary was screened at a White House dinner attended by notable figures including Queen Rania of Jordan, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.
Whether viewed as an insightful portrait or an underwhelming production, Melania has clearly become a lightning rod for debate—highlighting how differently critics and audiences can experience the same film.
Comments
Post a Comment