The premiere of Melania on Friday saw empty theaters at Cinépolis Diana—one of Mexico City’s busiest cinemas. Following previews of upcoming releases, the lights dimmed and the documentary about the former First Lady began. The film opens with Melania Trump leaving her Mar-a-Lago estate by private plane for New York to oversee preparations for her husband’s inauguration.
This lack of public interest in Mexico is mirrored in other locations. A review of 27 scheduled screenings across eight central Mexico City cinemas revealed only 12 had sold tickets, averaging 2.9 attendees per showing, a number that could potentially increase with last-minute ticket purchases. Fifteen screenings remain entirely empty. Outside the cinemas, opposition to the film is visible, with promotional banners along major thoroughfares like Insurgentes Sur and Avenida Cuauhtémoc having been vandalized with the phrase “Trump Asesino.”
Similar scenes are unfolding globally, with empty screenings coinciding with public protests. In South Africa, the local distributor opted not to screen the documentary in cinemas in response to recent tensions with the Trump administration. Industry predictions from Variety suggest Melania will generate between three and five million dollars at the U.S. box office, falling short of the $40 million invested in the film’s rights, and the $35 million reportedly spent on promotion by Amazon MGM Studios. The documentary is expected to be available for streaming on Prime Video in the coming weeks.
Directed by Brett Ratner—who faced accusations of sexual harassment and assault from multiple actresses in 2017—the film aims to present a candid portrayal of Melania Trump. However, moments where the former model deviates from the script are rare, even when addressing personal topics like the death of her mother in 2024. Much of the footage is accompanied by voiceover narration, and spontaneous interactions are limited, including a conversation with Donald Trump about their son Barron.
The release of Melania comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of the administration. While the film depicts the First Lady discussing wardrobe choices and interior design for her move to Washington from Trump Tower, the administration is simultaneously facing criticism for its handling of a crisis in Minneapolis following raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the fatal shootings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti, two U.S. citizens killed by federal agents this month. The government has also faced questions for promoting the documentary through official White House channels, including publishing excerpts from an interview with Melania Trump conducted by Fox.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the documentary Melania about?
The documentary follows Melania Trump during the weeks leading up to her husband’s second inauguration, focusing on preparations for the inauguration gala and offering a glimpse into her personal life, including the recent loss of her mother.
How is the documentary performing in theaters?
Initial screenings have been marked by low attendance, with many theaters reporting empty seats and public protests. In Mexico City, only 12 out of 27 scheduled screenings had sold tickets, averaging 2.9 attendees per showing.
Who directed the documentary?
The documentary is directed by Brett Ratner, who has previously faced accusations of sexual harassment and assault.
Given the current climate of public opinion and the film’s initial reception, what impact will streaming availability have on the reach and influence of Melania?
