Melania Trump’s latest documentary, aptly titled *Melania*, has set a remarkable precedent for the most significant disparity between critics’ scores and audience ratings in 27 years on Rotten Tomatoes. Released in cinemas last Friday, the film is polarising viewers and critics alike, with an astonishingly low score of just 10 per cent from professional reviewers, while the general public has bestowed it with a staggering 99 per cent approval rating.
A Polarising Reception
Upon its debut, *Melania* garnered substantial attention, yet the critical reception has been overwhelmingly negative. Critics have described the film as lacking substance, with one notable review by Nick Hilton in The Independent labelling it “transparently not a documentary.” Hilton argues that the film features Melania playing a staged version of herself, resulting in a product that straddles the line between reality TV and artistic fabrication.
In stark contrast, viewers have expressed enthusiasm for the film, appreciating its portrayal of Melania’s efforts leading up to Inauguration Day. One audience member remarked, “A very private look at the work put in before inauguration. Shows her commitment to the children in need.” Such sentiments illustrate a disconnect between critics and the audience, as the latter seem to resonate with the film’s narrative.
Box Office Performance Surprises
Despite the polarising reviews, *Melania* exceeded box office expectations during its opening weekend, amassing $2.9 million across 1,778 theatres. Analysts had predicted a more modest performance, estimating revenues between $1 million and $5 million. However, the documentary is now projected to earn up to $8.1 million.
At the film’s premiere at the Kennedy Center, former President Donald Trump addressed concerns regarding the film’s ticket sales, asserting, “It’s a very tough business in theatres selling movie tickets after Covid. I think this will do unbelievable — streaming and everything. Theatres are a different world.”
The Financial Gamble
While the film’s box office performance appears promising, it still faces a daunting challenge to recoup the substantial financial investment made by Amazon MGM, who reportedly paid $40 million for the documentary, with an additional $35 million earmarked for marketing. Given the current trajectory, it remains uncertain whether *Melania* will achieve profitability.
Viewers eager to catch the film can anticipate its eventual release on Prime Video, allowing a broader audience to engage with Melania Trump’s personal narrative.
Why it Matters
The polarisation surrounding *Melania* highlights a broader trend in contemporary media consumption, where audiences often diverge significantly from critical consensus. This discrepancy not only reflects the film’s potential as a cultural artifact but also underscores the evolving landscape of viewer engagement in a politically charged environment. As audiences increasingly seek narratives that resonate with their perspectives, the film may well serve as a case study on the dynamics between celebrity, politics, and the power of grassroots support in the digital age.
