The documentary “Melania”, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at Melania Trump in the weeks leading up to Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration, is set to reach streaming audiences soon. The film will begin streaming on Amazon Prime Video on March 9, giving viewers a closer look at the former first lady’s life during a politically charged moment in American history.
The documentary had already sparked debate following its theatrical release, both for its subject matter and the filmmaker behind the project.
Inside the Documentary’s Story
“Melania” follows the former first lady during the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration. The film attempts to capture her preparations, personal reflections, and the environment surrounding the historic political event.
Rather than focusing on political strategy, the documentary largely centers on Melania Trump’s public role and personal image during a period when the world’s attention was fixed on the White House.
The film tries to present a portrait of the woman behind the public persona, though critics say the storytelling approach feels highly curated.
Brett Ratner Returns to Directing
One of the most talked-about aspects of the documentary is its director. The film is helmed by Brett Ratner, the Hollywood filmmaker best known for directing the early “Rush Hour” movies.
Ratner largely stepped away from the industry after multiple accusations of rape and sexual misconduct surfaced in 2017. The allegations led many major studios and industry figures to distance themselves from the director.
“Melania” marks Ratner’s first directing project since those allegations, making the film a notable return to the spotlight for the controversial filmmaker.
A Massive Deal With Amazon
Before the documentary reached theatres, Amazon MGM Studios acquired the streaming rights in a deal reportedly worth $75 million. The agreement generated significant media attention, particularly because of the high price tag attached to a political documentary.
Although the film didn’t become a box-office hit, its theatrical performance still exceeded some expectations. It opened with around $7 million during its first weekend and eventually collected about $16.6 million globally during its run.
Reports suggest that the film’s core audience consisted largely of older white female viewers, a demographic that responded positively to the documentary.
Critics vs Audience Reaction
The response to “Melania” has been sharply divided between critics and audiences.
On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film received a very low critic score of 11%, with many reviewers criticizing its tone and storytelling style. Some critics described the documentary as overly polished and lacking genuine insight into its subject.
However, the audience reaction has been dramatically different. According to the site’s Popcornmeter, which reflects verified audience ratings, the documentary scored an impressive 98% approval rating among viewers.
The wide gap between critics and audiences has become one of the film’s biggest talking points.
Final Words
With its arrival on Amazon Prime Video, “Melania” is likely to reach a much larger global audience than it did in theatres. The documentary already carries significant controversy — from its political subject matter to the director’s return to filmmaking.
Whether viewers see it as an insightful portrait or simply a carefully crafted image piece, the film’s streaming debut is expected to spark another round of debate around politics, media narratives, and celebrity in modern America.
