'Melania' Documentary Receives Disastrous 6% Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 'Pure, Endless Hell'

The documentary titled "Melania" has made its theatrical debut after a year of speculation, but early reviews suggest it may struggle to find an audience. Critics have labeled the film as “insipid propaganda” and “pure, endless hell,” leading to a dismal 6% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

This score places "Melania" below notoriously panned films like "Cats" (2019) and the third installment of the "Fifty Shades of Grey" series. As of Saturday afternoon, the film's reception has been overwhelmingly negative.

Owen Gleiberman from Variety described it as “a documentary that never comes to life,” criticizing its overly polished and staged presentation. He remarked that it barely rises above the level of a “shameless infomercial.”

Kevin Fallon from The Daily Beast echoed this sentiment, stating that the film represents a level of propaganda that is almost beyond critique. Meanwhile, Xan Brooks of The Guardian expressed that “the fun’s not infectious and the guests are a nightmare,” suggesting that two hours spent watching Melania feels like “pure, endless hell.” He further compared it to a “gilded trash remake” of the serious drama “The Zone of Interest.”

Brooks also characterized the film as a “dispiriting” portrayal of Melania Trump, depicting her as a “button-eyed Cinderella” who distracts viewers with luxury while significant political issues unfold behind the scenes.

The documentary chronicles the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump’s second inauguration following the 2024 presidential election. Critics have not only condemned its execution but have also raised questions about its funding and origins.

Last year, Amazon MGM Studios reportedly paid Melania Trump’s production company $40 million for licensing rights, prompting speculation about potential political motivations behind the deal. Some commentators have suggested this could be evidence of a political payoff.

Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, previously criticized Trump in 2016 for undermining democracy but later praised him after the 2024 election, coinciding with Amazon’s $1 million donation to his inaugural fund.

With a total production cost of $75 million, "Melania" could potentially be one of the most expensive documentaries ever released. Robert Hutton from The Critic noted that the film’s significance lies not just in its content but in its very existence, hinting at its potential role in future political discussions.

At the film's premiere in Washington, D.C., Trump referred to it as “a very important movie.” When questioned about allegations regarding Bezos’ influence, he dismissed them as “fake news.”

Despite the grim critical reception, fan reviews on Rotten Tomatoes were significantly more favorable, boasting a 98% approval rating. Comments included praise for Melania as “a wonderful human” and claims that “the film doesn’t try to perform or persuade.” However, skeptics have raised concerns about the authenticity of these positive reviews.

Box office predictions for "Melania" are mixed. While some analysts anticipate an opening weekend gross of around $8 million, others report that only two showings sold out nationwide on Friday.

The film was directed by Brett Ratner, who faced allegations of sexual misconduct in 2017 from multiple women.