Melania Trump’s new documentary “Melania” opened in U.S. theaters this weekend with unusually strong audience marks, even as early returns signaled a sharply polarized response. CinemaScore’s opening-night polling gave the film an “A,” a top grade that typically reflects satisfaction among ticket buyers.
Box-office performance landed above the low end of pre-release expectations. The film earned about $2.9 million on Friday from roughly 1,778 theaters and tracked to finish the weekend around $8.1 million, according to published industry estimates.
The release has carried baggage from the start. The film is directed by Brett Ratner, returning to a high-profile project after years away from mainstream releases amid past misconduct allegations he has denied. The documentary follows the first lady during the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration.
Money and optics have become part of the story. Amazon MGM Studios paid $40 million to license the film and spent roughly $35 million more on promotion and distribution, according to people familiar with the deal cited in reporting. At the Washington premiere, Ratner pushed back on suggestions the project aimed to buy influence, telling reporters, “It wasn’t about getting rich.” Melania Trump framed the film as a personal statement, saying she wanted “to show the audience my life” as first lady again.
Outside the theater, the reception has split along familiar lines. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film posted a very low critics score while audience ratings surged, a gap that fueled accusations of organized boosting and organized backlash. One WIRED analysis of ticketing availability found that among nearly 1,400 Friday showtimes it reviewed, only two appeared sold out.
Internationally, the rollout has shown softer demand in some markets. In the U.K., Vue Cinemas chief executive Tim Richards described sales as “soft” ahead of opening, while saying the chain would screen certified releases rather than act as a censor.
