Key Highlights
- The documentary “Melania” will debut on Amazon Prime Video on March 9, 2026.
- Brett Ratner directed the film, his first project since sexual misconduct allegations in 2017.
- “Melania” lost money in theaters but performed better than expected with $16.6 million at the box office.
- The film was poorly reviewed, scoring only 11% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Amazon Prime’s New Documentary: The Making of “Melania”
“Melania,” a documentary directed by Brett Ratner, is set to stream on Amazon Prime Video starting March 9, 2026. This marks Ratner’s first directorial effort since facing accusations of sexual misconduct in 2017. The film chronicles the former First Lady in the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration.
Financial Performance
The documentary faced a challenging release, initially debuting poorly at the box office with $7 million on its opening weekend and eventually making a total of $16.6 million. Despite the lukewarm reception from critics, the film managed to resonate more strongly with its target audience, particularly older white women.
Criticism and Reception
“Melania” received scathing reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, earning a meager 11% rating. Owen Gleiberman of Variety described it as “a cheeseball infomercial of staggering inertia.” He further stated, “‘Melania’ is a documentary that never comes to life. It’s so orchestrated and airbrushed that it barely rises above the level of a shameless infomercial.
Is it cheesy? At moments, but mostly it’s inert. It feels like it has been stitched together from the most innocuous outtakes from a reality show.”
Entertainment Industry Context
The film’s purchase by Amazon MGM Studios for $75 million dollars highlights the entertainment industry’s willingness to support controversial figures, provided they can secure substantial box office returns. This deal underscores the tension between financial success and artistic merit in today’s market.
You might think this is new, but… the narrative of a high-profile director recovering from scandal by directing a documentary about a political figure isn’t unprecedented. Ratner’s career had its ups and downs even before these allegations, and his return to the directorial chair with “Melania” signals a comeback attempt.
