Melania, the documentary film, has faced a unanimous verdict: it’s a disappointment. Viewers have largely steered clear, labeling it a colossal failure. The overriding reason behind this consensus is its sheer dullness. Despite a hefty $40 million budget and unparalleled behind-the-scenes access, Melania Trump’s portrayal in the film fails to engage. The movie predominantly showcases Melania’s monotonous routines, such as exiting buildings, embarking on car rides, boarding planes, and minimal interaction with other characters.
The film primarily features contrived dialogues and observational snippets of Melania’s engagements with designers for the 2025 Inauguration. Significant screen time is devoted to discussing minute adjustments to her iconic black and white dress. However, the documentary skimps on showcasing the detailed design process, instead focusing on the final products presented to Melania. The repetitive scenes of Melania admiring herself in mirrors add to the film’s tedious nature.
For those anticipating an intimate portrayal of Melania’s relationship with Donald Trump, the film falls short. Donald’s appearances are sporadic until the latter part of the movie, and their interactions come across as casual rather than intimate. The film’s attempt to humanize Melania backfires, depicting her as peculiar and lacking self-awareness. Melania’s narration often seems disconnected, elaborating on her thoughts without prior context, creating an awkward viewing experience.
Despite fleeting moments of empathy, such as Melania comforting a former hostage, the documentary fails to provide a coherent depiction of her character. The disjointed narrative, accompanied by an incessant stream of popular music tracks, further detracts from the viewing experience. Additionally, the film’s attempt to mimic vintage film aesthetics through filters adds an unnecessary layer of complexity.
In essence, Melania lacks the charm of a ‘so bad it’s good’ film and fails to captivate audiences. With its unflattering portrayal of Melania and questionable storytelling choices, this documentary is best avoided by discerning viewers.
