JYNEWS-While President Donald Trump is busy at the negotiation table with Iran, his wife is busy conquering the silver screen. In a weekend that has left film critics stunned and political pundits buzzing, the new documentary Melania has officially shattered records, proving that the First Lady’s star power is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment world.
A Historic Opening Weekend
The documentary, which provides an intimate look at the 20 days in Melania Trump’s life leading up to the President’s second inauguration last year, is currently crushing expectations. Reports indicate the film raked in a staggering $8 million during its opening weekend. This isn’t just a “good” opening; it represents the best debut for a documentary in over a decade.
While it didn’t quite snatch the number one spot—finishing third behind the horror sensation Iron Lung and the Rachel McAdams thriller Send Help—it managed to outmuscle major Hollywood muscle. The First Lady’s documentary successfully beat out action icon Jason Statham’s latest flick, Shelter, proving that real-life political drama can be just as much of a draw as high-octane explosions.
The Most Expensive Documentary Ever Made
This wasn’t a small indie project. Amazon signaled its confidence in the film by dropping a massive $75 million for distribution and marketing rights. Directed by Brett Ratner, the film opened across the United States and in 27 countries simultaneously. This massive investment makes Melania the most expensive documentary in cinematic history.
Interestingly, the First Lady wasn’t just the subject of the film; she was the mastermind behind the scenes. Melania served as an executive producer on the project, which was the debut release from Muse Films—a production company she launched late last year. This move signals a new chapter for the First Lady as a media mogul, taking control of her own narrative in a way few political figures ever have.
Who is Watching Melania?
The data behind the ticket sales tells a fascinating story about who is driving this box office surge. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film’s success is largely thanks to Americans over the age of 55, who accounted for a whopping 78% of the audience. Even more specific was the gender divide: women over 55 made up 72% of the ticket buyers.
Geographically, the film found its strongest footing in “Heartland” America. Rural theaters contributed an unusually high 46% of the weekend’s total earnings, a figure rarely seen for documentary openings which typically thrive in urban coastal cities. To no one’s surprise, the top ticket-selling states were Florida, Texas, and Arizona, highlighting the First Lady’s enduring popularity in the Sun Belt.
Glitz, Glamour, and Mixed Reviews
The world premiere was nothing short of a Washington spectacle. Held at the newly renamed Trump Kennedy Center, the red carpet was packed with a diverse mix of power players and celebrities. Guests included Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Dr. Mehmet Oz, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and even Nicki Minaj and former New York Mayor Eric Adams.
However, the film itself has divided critics. While supporters see it as a beautiful portrait of a private woman, others have been less kind. Variety described the film as “orchestrated and airbrushed,” claiming it “barely rises to the level of a shameless infomercial.” Meanwhile, The New York Times reported that screenings in some areas felt more like political rallies, with audiences erupting in applause during scenes of the President’s swearing-in and some fans even shouting “Trump 2028!”
The Legend of the “Girl Boss”
For those in Melania’s inner circle, the film’s success is a long-overdue vindication. U.S. Attorney Alina Habba spoke glowingly at the premiere, describing the First Lady as a “girl boss” and a “legend.” Habba noted that Melania has “taken the punches right next to him” with grace and lamented that she hadn’t received the media recognition—such as a Vogue cover—that previous First Ladies enjoyed.
Can Melania Break the All-Time Record?
While $8 million is a historic start, Melania still has a long way to go if it wants to claim the ultimate crown. That title is currently held by Michael Moore’s 2004 hit Fahrenheit 9/11, which earned $119 million (roughly $208 million when adjusted for inflation).
Whether the film has the “legs” to stay in theaters for the long haul remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Melania Trump has officially turned the documentary genre into a high-stakes blockbuster event. As the President continues his work on the global stage, the First Lady is making sure the Trump name stays at the top of the charts in Hollywood.
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