Thescreescore – The highly anticipated, and equally controversial, documentary "Melania" has made its theatrical debut to an overwhelmingly negative critical reception, reflected in an abysmal 8% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Helmed by the polarizing director Brett Ratner and boasting a substantial $75 million production budget, the film had already generated significant buzz, much of it contentious, even before its official release. Now, with the critics having weighed in, the project faces a formidable uphill battle for audience acceptance.
The signs of a troubled launch for "Melania" were perhaps evident early on, particularly when Amazon reportedly barred press members from attending its screening at the prestigious Kennedy Center. Journalists, eager to cover the premiere, found themselves excluded just hours before the documentary was set to unspool, preventing them from viewing the film prior to its public theatrical run. This unusual move only intensified speculation and curiosity surrounding the project.
"Melania" was promoted as an intimate, behind-the-scenes exploration of former First Lady Melania Trump’s personal life as she prepared for a potential return to the White House ahead of the 2025 inauguration. The narrative promised to delve into her navigation of intense public scrutiny and her re-entry into the political sphere following a four-year absence from the national stage.
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Despite securing distribution in over 1,500 theaters – a notable achievement for a political documentary – critical consensus quickly coalesced into widespread disapproval. Numerous prominent media outlets lambasted the film, with many dismissing it as thinly veiled propaganda. Reviewers frequently criticized its excessive length and perceived lack of narrative resolution. The more scathing critiques were particularly brutal: The Guardian famously branded the documentary "trash" and an "endless hell," while The Atlantic unequivocally labeled it a "disgrace."
Amidst this torrent of negative feedback, a solitary voice offered a more tempered perspective. The London Evening Standard awarded "Melania" a modest three out of five stars, urging viewers to approach the film with an open mind. The reviewer also singled out the former First Lady’s on-screen presence, commending her "stunning" appearance.
"Melania" is currently playing in select theaters.
Article Information:
- Release Date: January 30, 2026
- Runtime: 104 minutes
- Director: Brett Ratner
- Producers: Fernando Sulichin, Brett Ratner, Melania Trump, Marc Beckman
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