Amazon's $75 million documentary on Melania Trump has been branded a flop after attracting only eight viewers to a Sydney cinema screening. The film, which documents 20 days before Donald Trump's return to power in January 2025, was shown at Hoyts on the northern beaches on its opening day, with a capacity of 150 seats left largely empty.
Journalist Caitlin Cassidy, who attended the screening, reported that of five evening showings across Sydney, none sold more than 16 tickets, with one selling just six. Earlier screenings scheduled for 11am were cancelled due to a worldwide embargo by Amazon MGM Studios.
The documentary, directed by Brett Ratner in his first feature in 12 years after sexual misconduct allegations, has been criticised as a propaganda exercise. Cassidy described the first 10 minutes as showing Melania using various modes of transport, followed by scenes of her trying on outfits and discussing interior design for the White House.
Interactions with Donald Trump were described as robotic, with Melania responding 'bye, congrats' to his electoral college victory call. The most animated moment came when YMCA played at the inaugural ball. The film was screened at the White House and the Kennedy Center, now renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, before its release in 27 countries.
