February 1, 2026 — Critics have unleashed harsh reviews on the $107 million Amazon documentary Melania, focusing on America’s First Lady. Released in cinemas worldwide over the weekend, the film has earned a single star on Rotten Tomatoes despite generating over $8 million at the box office.
Overview of the Controversial Film
The documentary follows the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump’s return to the White House. It portrays Melania Knauss, the former model from Slovenia who married a New York real estate developer, navigating high-society events. However, reviewers argue it fails to deliver meaningful insights into her life.
Sharp Critiques from Film Experts
Xan Brooks describes the film as “dispiriting, deadly, and unrevealing,” calling it a “gilded trash remake of The Zone of Interest.” That acclaimed movie depicts the comfortable life of Nazi commandant Rudolf Höss and his family near Auschwitz. Brooks notes Melania moves through fashion fittings, dinners, and balls “with a face like a fist and a voice of sheet metal.” He adds that while a compelling documentary about her journey could exist, this version falls short.
Frank Scheck labels it a hagiography that fawns excessively over its subject, making viewers feel unpatriotic for not praising it. He highlights director Brett Ratner, whose career stalled in 2017 amid denied sexual assault allegations, suggesting Ratner received a pardon like others linked to Trump.
Joy Press calls the “interminable” film a “purportedly serious” work that resembles a mockumentary. She states, “If you were making a movie that parodied the current first lady of the United States, I’m not sure what you’d do differently.” Press criticizes the lack of inspiring visuals or edits, instead featuring endless displays of opulent Trump aesthetics—from Trump Tower to private jets and gala events.
Brian Truitt points out a disconnect because Melania avoids addressing the camera directly. Trump discusses their son Barron but not his mother, leaving viewers curious about the teenager’s perspective amid the chaos.
Maureen Dowd terms it a “gilded infomercial,” dispelling fantasies of Melania as a distressed figure trapped in a tower. She concludes there is no underlying mystery or anguish.
Karl Quinn observes that revelations about the First Lady are scarce, comparing them to the sparsity of hair on her husband’s head.
Trump’s Positive Response
President Trump viewed the 104-minute film at a private White House screening over the weekend. He praised it as “really great,” saying, “But it really brings back a glamour that you just don’t see any more. Our country can use a little bit of that, right?”
Unusual Soundtrack Choices
The film opens at Mar-a-Lago with shots of Melania’s high heels and the back of her head before revealing her face. It features the Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter,” with lyrics about murder, rape, and war—an odd selection. Other tracks include Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” (referencing false allegations), Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” Ravel’s “Bolero” (linked to sensuality), and James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World.” Reviewers speculate the compiler has a sharp sense of irony.
Melania personally selected the music as one of her favorite artists is Michael Jackson. Senior adviser Marc Beckman, also a producer, confirms her oversight of creative elements, including editing, advertising, the trailer, and production.
