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.
Ali Abbasi’s direction and the way the film was shot were good. The film includes dark jokes, and honestly, I questioned myself for laughing at them. Music doesn’t play a big role. However, it could have elevated the scenes.
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Verdict: This Daring Docudrama On Donald Trump Deserves A Place On Your Watchlist!
The first half works well, but the second half stumbles badly. I wasn’t even able to process everything that happened as the shift was too swift. The scene where Trump brutally forces himself on Ivana was startling and left a huge hole in my chest. It was extremely hard to watch. I wanted to see more of her and Trump’s family moments. It could have added much-needed depth. The film also seemed dragged at times.
But excellent acting saves everything. Performances make it look smart and crisp and the direction and dialogue stay real and sharp. For someone who had no idea about his early days, I got to know a lot about them. So, it’s a win because you watch documentaries to gain knowledge and I did learn a lot. From the dirty tricks to his relationships, there was a lot to unfold. Well, I even got to see Donald Trump’s emotional side (yeah, you read it right). Overall, you can give it a shot, as it’s a bold take on Trump’s life. It will be available on Lionsgate Play from October 24th. You can watch the trailer below!