Disclaimer: I knew nothing about Donald Trump’s early life and watched The Apprentice by Ali Abbasi. Starring Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong, and others, the docudrama shows how Trump turned into the man we recognise, thanks to his harsh mentor, his former marriage, and his massive hunger for power. If you want to watch it, here’s our detailed review on it.
Plot Of The Apprentice
It is set in the 1970s and 1980s and centres on a young Donald Trump during that time. He joins his dad’s real estate business in New York. But Trump wants more. He dreams of owning Manhattan. That’s when he meets Roy Cohn, a ruthless lawyer famous for dirty tricks. Roy Cohn takes Trump under his wing and teaches him three simple rules. Donald Trump learns fast and loves it. But when Roy Cohn gets sick with AIDS, Donald Trump turns cold.
We also see Trump’s first meeting with his former wife, Ivana, at a fancy club. He chases her hard, and they fall in love, date, and marry in 1977. Ivana doesn’t just become his wife, she also becomes his business partner. Their life looks perfect, but it doesn’t last long. Success comes quick and changes Trump. The sweet guy who chased Ivana starts yelling at her, and their happy marriage starts to break down.
Performances
Sebastian Stan becomes Donald Trump perfectly. From showcasing the changes in his demeanour to nailing his classic hand and facial gestures, the actor disappears into the role completely.
Jeremy Strong makes Roy Cohn unforgettable. His stern look and voice are stuck in my head. He fits the role like a glove and sometimes overshadows Trump.
Maria Bakalova makes you care about Ivana. You feel her happiness in the early days and her pain during fights. She shows every emotion perfectly. Sadly, her role was too small, and I needed more of her story.
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Verdict: This Daring Docudrama On Donald Trump Deserves A Place On Your Watchlist!
Ali Abbasi’s direction and the way the film was shot were spot-on. It includes some dark jokes that had me questioning why I was laughing. Honestly, it was unsettling in the best way. Music doesn’t play a big role, though; it could have really elevated a few scenes. The first half works well, but the second stumbles hard. The shift was too swift and I couldn’t even process everything that unfolded. And yeah, it felt dragged too.
Additionally, the scene where Trump was brutally forcing himself on Ivana was particularly shocking. Startling doesn’t even cover it, as it left a huge hole in my chest and was brutally hard to watch. However, I craved more of those raw family moments with her, as they could’ve added so much depth. But excellent acting saves everything. The performances make it feel smart and crisp, while the direction and dialogue stay real and sharp.
Also, the casting in The Apprentice was brilliant. They chose actors who got fully immersed into their characters. Sebastian Stan as young Trump to Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn – they kept me hooked and how.
For someone clueless about Trump’s early days, I learnt a lot of things. It’s like a documentary that keeps you hooked. From the dirty tricks to his messy relationships, there was plenty to unpack. (Well, I even got to see Donald Trump’s emotional side. Yeah, you read that right.) Overall, it’s a bold take on his life and it’s worth checking out. It will be available on Lionsgate Play from October 24th. You can watch the trailer below!