A stiletto heel appears first, followed by a slender ankle, before the camera pans up to reveal a shapely figure tossing blonde hair, donning sunglasses, and boarding a private jet. This opening could easily belong to a reality TV show, but it actually introduces a new documentary about America's First Lady, Melania Trump, which premiered in cinemas yesterday.
A Mysterious Figure on Screen
Despite serving as First Lady for the second time in 2025, Mrs Trump has always remained something of an enigma. To many observers outside the United States, she presents as a highly polished trophy wife—visually stunning yet often silent, seemingly lacking the charismatic personality of Michelle Obama or the political ambition of Hillary Clinton. However, this documentary, produced by Amazon MGM, aims to peel back the layers and reveal the woman behind those icy blue eyes.
Behind the Scenes of Inauguration Preparations
The film, which cost Amazon an estimated $40 million (£29 million) for the rights—with $28 million going directly to Melania Trump—follows her during the 20 days leading up to her husband's inauguration. Early scenes depict Mrs Trump overseeing arrangements for various inauguration events and decorating the White House to her personal taste. Much of this activity takes place at the family's opulent Trump Tower apartment in New York, which exudes a gilded, almost mythical luxury.
An overwhelming portion of the film's one hour and 44-minute runtime is dedicated to Melania's inauguration outfits, particularly her memorable navy suit paired with a wide-brimmed hat. Viewers witness her collaboration with long-time stylist Herve Pierre as they meticulously adjust the waist, widen the lapels, and, at Melania's specific request, stabilise the hat to avoid any 'wiggly wobbly' movements.
A Superficial Portrait Emerges
While her wardrobe is undoubtedly impressive, featuring more outfit changes than a fashion-centric film like The Devil Wears Prada, the documentary struggles to present Mrs Trump as more than a glamorous clothes horse. She briefly discusses her work with children and appears in video calls with figures like Brigitte Macron and Queen Rania of Jordan, yet these moments feel cursory and lacking in depth.
President Donald Trump makes several appearances, primarily to compliment his wife's attractiveness and commend her sartorial choices. In one scene, he booms, 'You're beautiful, you're like a movie star,' as he greets her on an airfield tarmac. During an inauguration planning meeting, he inquires, 'Have you got a good dress?' Their phone conversations are also featured, including one where Melania admits she missed the announcement of his election victory, promising to catch it later on the news.
Missing Intimacy and Warmth
Those hoping for intimate glimpses into the Trumps' 21-year marriage or Melania's domestic life will be disappointed. Her 19-year-old son, Barron, barely features and does not speak on screen. There are no candid moments of her in casual attire, such as a dressing gown and slippers, preparing breakfast. While she speaks movingly about grieving her mother, who passed away two years ago, and shows a fun side when caught dancing to Village People's 'YMCA' at a ball, the overall tone feels scripted, stilted, and devoid of genuine warmth.
Box Office Disappointment
Amazon's strategy of a limited cinema release ahead of streaming has not yielded success. Ticket sales have been dismal both in the UK and the United States. In one 300-seater cinema, only four attendees were present, with one leaving before the film concluded. As the producer, Melania exercised full editorial control, which likely contributed to the lack of revealing content—a common issue when subjects retain final say, as seen with projects involving figures like Harry and Meghan or the Beckhams.
The documentary concludes with Melania, exhausted after 22 hours of inauguration events, arriving at the White House. She kicks off her heels, declines food, and sits primly on a sofa. Had she opted for comfortable trackie bottoms, removed her bra discreetly, or ordered a pizza, it might have offered a glimpse of her humanity. Instead, the film leaves viewers with a polished yet hollow portrait, failing to demystify the elusive First Lady.
