⭐ Public Rating : 4/5⭐
Main Cast:
- Sebastian Stan – Donald Trump
- Jeremy Strong – Roy Cohn
- Maria Bakalova – Ivana Trump
- Martin Donovan – Fred Trump
- Catherine McNally – Mary Anne Trump
- Charlie Carrick – Fred Trump Jr.
- Mark Rendall – Roger Stone
- Joe Pingue – Anthony “Fat Tony” Salerno
Crew:
- Director: Ali Abbasi
- Writer: Gabriel Sherman
- Producers: Daniel Beckerman, Jacob Jerek, Ruth Treacy
- Cinematographer: Kasper Tuxen
- Editor: Olivier Bugge Coutté
- Music Composer: Julien Jourdan
- Production Designer: Nora Takács
- Costume Designer: Christopher Peterson
Plot Summary
📌 “The Apprentice” delves into the rise of Donald Trump in the 1970s and 1980s New York real estate scene. The film explores how his mentorship under Roy Cohn (played by Jeremy Strong) shaped his business strategies, legal battles, and persona.
📌 The narrative also highlights Trump’s relationship with his father, Fred Trump (Martin Donovan), and his marriage to Ivana Trump (Maria Bakalova). By navigating power struggles, legal gray areas, and media manipulation, The Apprentice movie raises the question—was Trump shaped by the system, or did he master it?
Performances
- Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump: Delivers a captivating transformation, capturing Trump’s early charisma, insecurities, and ruthlessness.
- Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn: Steals scenes with intimidating, sharp-witted dialogue, perfectly embodying the controversial lawyer.
- Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump: Brings depth and resilience to Ivana, showing her as more than just Trump’s wife but a strong figure herself.
- Martin Donovan as Fred Trump: Nails the role of a stern, controlling father, emphasizing how Trump’s business ethics were influenced from a young age.
Direction & Writing
🎥 Ali Abbasi’s direction takes a balanced approach, neither glorifying nor villainizing Trump. His ability to recreate 1980s New York adds authenticity.
🖊️ Gabriel Sherman’s screenplay is sharp and investigative, blending well-researched facts with character-driven drama.
However, some scenes feel rushed, especially when dealing with Trump’s legal battles and business failures. A deeper dive into his media tactics would have added more weight.
Cinematography & Production Design
- 🎞️ 1970s-80s New York feels alive, thanks to detailed sets and costumes.
- 🎥 Cinematography captures the glitz and grit of Trump’s world, switching between luxurious penthouses and smoky backrooms.
- 📺 Authentic news segments are used to blend reality with fiction, keeping the film’s timeline immersive.
Why Watch “The Apprentice Movie”?
✅ If you’re intrigued by Trump’s early years—this film offers a fascinating inside look at his rise before politics.
✅ Power struggles, business, and law—it’s an intense, dialogue-heavy drama about the cost of success.
✅ Oscar-worthy performances—Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong deliver career-defining roles.
✅ Real-world relevance—the movie subtly raises questions about modern business ethics and power games.
What Could Be Better?
❌ Some historical events feel rushed—the film could have gone deeper into Trump’s media strategies and financial challenges.
❌ Ivana Trump’s role deserved more focus—her impact on Trump’s image and brand-building could have been explored further.
❌ The film ends abruptly—it leaves viewers wanting a stronger closure on Trump’s evolution.
Pros & Cons
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| 🎭 Stellar performances by Sebastian Stan & Jeremy Strong. | ⏳ Pacing issues—some key moments feel rushed. |
| 🎬 Authentic 1980s New York atmosphere adds realism. | 🤐 Limited exploration of Ivana Trump’s business role. |
| 📝 Well-researched storytelling that balances fact & fiction. | 🎞️ The ending feels incomplete, lacking a solid conclusion. |
| 🔥 Sharp dialogues and intense power dynamics. | 💰 Some business deals are simplified, missing depth. |
| 🎥 Cinematic visuals that enhance the narrative. | 🤔 Might not appeal to viewers uninterested in Trump’s story. |
Critical Reception & Audience Reactions
📰 Critics’ Take:
- The film has received positive reviews for its performances and gripping narrative.
- Some critics believe it avoids taking a strong stance, making it a neutral take on a controversial figure.
🎟️ Audience Reactions:
- Trump supporters find it unfairly critical, while his critics feel it doesn’t go far enough.
- General moviegoers appreciate the performances and how the film humanizes Trump’s early years.
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Final Verdict: Watch or Skip?
🎬 “The Apprentice movie” is a must-watch for those who love biopics, political dramas, and character studies. It offers a compelling look at ambition, power, and mentorship, all wrapped in a visually stunning period piece.
⭐ Rating: 8/10 – A gripping film that could have been even better with deeper exploration of key moments.
📌 Would you watch “The Apprentice”? Let us know your thoughts!
