Controversial Premiere: Amazon's 'Melania' Documentary Hits Theaters Amid Review Bombing and Polarized Reactions

January 29, 2026

Amazon MGM Studios' highly anticipated documentary "Melania" premiered in select venues today, offering an intimate behind-the-scenes look at First Lady Melania Trump's preparations for her husband's second inauguration, but the film has already sparked fierce debate, brutal online review bombing, and questions about its massive promotional budget and production origins.

Unprecedented Access to Private Moments

Directed by Brett Ratner and executive produced by Melania Trump herself, the 104-minute film chronicles the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump's January 2025 inauguration. Viewers are given rare glimpses into Melania orchestrating event logistics, navigating the White House transition, coordinating family moves back to Washington, and engaging in private conversations and critical meetings.

The production promises "never-before-seen" footage from restricted areas, emphasizing Melania's role in the process and her return to public life. Amazon describes it as an "intimate chronicle" exploring her partnership with the president and her responsibilities as First Lady.

The film carries a PG rating for some thematic elements and runs 1 hour 44 minutes. It officially opens wide in theaters tomorrow, January 30, across approximately 2,000 domestic screens and thousands more internationally.

Massive Investment Meets Skepticism

Amazon reportedly paid $40 million for the rights—significantly outbidding competitors like Disney—and allocated another $35 million for marketing, including high-profile TV spots during NFL playoff games and a multi-city premiere simulcast. The total spend of $75 million far exceeds typical budgets for documentaries, raising eyebrows in the industry about potential political motivations behind the tech giant's aggressive push.

The film has faced criticism for its director: Brett Ratner, whose career has been marred by past allegations of misconduct. Some observers question whether Amazon's involvement reflects an attempt to build goodwill with the administration.

Review Bombing and Mixed Early Reception

Even before wide release, "Melania" has been heavily targeted on platforms like Letterboxd, where over 100 pre-release reviews have driven its average rating down to around 2.5 stars out of 5. Many users posted scathing one-star comments without having seen the film, labeling it a "vanity project" or questioning its necessity.

Advance ticket sales have been described as soft in many markets despite the promotional blitz, with some theaters reporting low attendance for early screenings. Supporters, however, praise the access and portrayal of Melania as elegant and poised.

President Trump has promoted the film on Truth Social, calling it a "must-watch" and claiming tickets are "selling out fast."

Global Rollout and Cancellations

The documentary is set for wide release tomorrow, but not without hiccups. South Africa pulled the film from theaters after its local distributor decided against proceeding, citing unspecified concerns. Other international markets are moving forward, though public interest remains divided.

As "Melania" enters theaters amid one of the most polarized political climates in recent memory, its box office performance will be closely watched—not just as a documentary, but as a cultural and political litmus test. Whether it draws crowds seeking insight into the First Lady or faces widespread indifference remains to be seen in this high-stakes theatrical debut.