In a striking turn of events, Michelle Obama’s 2020 documentary, *Becoming*, has witnessed an astonishing 13,000 per cent spike in viewership on Netflix. This surge coincides with the theatrical release of Melania Trump’s new film, simply titled *Melania*, which has drawn a mixed critical reception but still made headlines with its significant box office debut.
A Dramatic Increase in Viewership
Over the opening weekend of *Melania*, viewership for *Becoming* skyrocketed among U.S. Netflix subscribers, as reported by data analytics firm Luminate. More than 47.5 million minutes of Michelle Obama’s film were streamed, a stark contrast to just 354,000 minutes the previous weekend. This translates to an estimated 480,000 individual streams of *Becoming*, highlighting the public’s renewed interest in the former first lady’s narrative.
The release of Melania’s film, which grossed $7 million domestically, has certainly stirred the pot. Despite its strong opening, critics have panned it extensively, raising questions about its overall impact and longevity. The film’s production was funded by Amazon MGM, which reportedly invested $40 million for the rights and an additional $35 million in marketing, making its financial success uncertain.
Behind the Lens: Contrasting Styles
*Becoming* distinguishes itself as an intimate portrayal of Michelle Obama’s life, chronicling her journey during the promotional tour for her bestselling memoir. The documentary offers a rare glimpse into her upbringing in Chicago, her rich family history, and her relationship with former President Barack Obama.
Conversely, *Melania* follows the current first lady in the twenty days leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025. The film presents Melania meeting various stylists and political allies, culminating in a carefully curated depiction of her role during a pivotal moment in history. Directed by Brett Ratner, whose career has been marred by past allegations of misconduct, the film’s authenticity has been called into question; reports suggest that two-thirds of the crew sought to have their names removed from the credits.
Critical Reception and Commentary
The critical response to *Melania* has been harsh. One reviewer, Nick Hilton of *The Independent*, described it as “a piece of post-modern post-entertainment,” asserting that it straddles the line between reality television and scripted fiction. Hilton’s one-star review critiques the film’s staged portrayal of Melania, arguing that it lacks the genuine insight viewers might expect from a documentary.
At the film’s premiere, President Trump addressed concerns over ticket sales, stating, “It’s a very tough business in theatres selling movie tickets after Covid. I think this will do unbelievable — streaming and everything.” He seems optimistic that the film will find its audience once it streams on Prime Video.
Why it Matters
The contrasting fortunes of *Becoming* and *Melania* reflect not just the public’s evolving interest in the narratives of these two influential women but also highlight the changing landscape of documentary filmmaking and audience engagement. As Michelle Obama’s documentary continues to resonate with viewers, it underscores the power of authentic storytelling in a saturated media market. This moment serves as a reminder of the profound impact a well-crafted narrative can have, particularly when juxtaposed against a project that raises questions about its sincerity and substance.
