A stiletto heel catches the eye first in the new documentary about Melania Trump, followed by a slender ankle as the camera rises to capture her figure. She tosses her blonde hair, slips on sunglasses, and steps onto a private jet. This scene resembles a reality TV opener, yet it introduces a film exploring America’s First Lady during the 20 days before her husband’s 2025 inauguration.
The Documentary’s Premise and Production
Melania Trump remains an enigmatic figure despite her second term as First Lady. Observers often view her as a polished presence—elegant yet reserved, lacking the charisma of Michelle Obama or the drive of Hillary Clinton. The film, produced by Amazon MGM, aims to uncover the person behind her poised exterior.
“Everyone wants to know, so here it is,” states the Slovenian-born former model, granting filmmakers access to her preparations. Amazon invested $40 million in rights, with $28 million directed to the First Lady, marking a significant financial gain.
Inauguration Planning and Style Spotlight
Early footage captures Mrs. Trump coordinating inauguration events and personalizing the White House from the opulent Trump Tower apartment in New York. The one-hour, 44-minute runtime heavily emphasizes her wardrobe choices, particularly a navy suit paired with a wide-brimmed hat.
Viewers witness collaborations with longtime stylist Hervé Pierre, adjusting the suit’s waist, lapels, and hat to eliminate any “wiggly wobbly” movement at her direction. The frequent outfit transitions surpass those in The Devil Wears Prada, highlighting her fashion prowess but raising questions about deeper substance.
She discusses initiatives for children, including a video call with Brigitte Macron and a meeting with Queen Rania of Jordan. However, these segments appear surface-level, prioritizing aesthetics over policy depth.
Family Dynamics and Personal Glimpses
President Donald Trump features prominently, praising his wife’s beauty and style. “You’re beautiful, you’re like a movie star,” he declares upon greeting her at an airfield. During a planning session, he inquires, “Have you got a good dress?” Phone conversations reveal casual moments, such as her admission of missing his election victory announcement, which she plans to catch on news later.
Yet, the film offers scant insight into their 21-year marriage or family life. Their 19-year-old son, Barron, appears minimally without speaking. Mrs. Trump shares emotional reflections on grieving her mother’s death two years prior and shows a lighter side dancing to Village People’s “YMCA” at a ball. Overall, the presentation feels scripted and distant, missing authentic warmth.
Release Strategy and Audience Response
Opting for a limited cinema run before streaming, the documentary has struggled with attendance on both sides of the Atlantic. In one 300-seat screening, only four viewers attended, with one departing early.
As a producer with full editorial control, Mrs. Trump shaped the content, resulting in a polished but unrevealing narrative—similar to self-produced projects by other high-profile figures. The film concludes with her arriving at the White House after 22 hours of events, removing her heels, declining food, and sitting composedly on the sofa, underscoring her enduring poise without vulnerability.
