Melania Documents Poise, Misses the Drama

Melania

★ ★ ★

Melania is a documentary that follows Melania Trump in January 2025 through President Donald Trump’s second inauguration. It gives us a glimpse of what it takes to be Melania as FLOTUS while she makes design decisions for the events and precise, custom fashion choices.

We’re given a peek behind the scenes in the penthouse apartment at Trump Tower in New York. In Trump fashion, nothing in the penthouse is done halfway. The decor is heavily gold themed—the most striking element is the gold-plated front door that opens and closes more like a bank vault.

Melania Trump
© 2026 Amazon MGM Studios

We get more than just a glimpse of Meilania, the fashion expert and design specialist. She’s also a wife, mother and daughter. Her mother passed away on January 9, 2024 and just a year later—to the very day—she’s at President Jimmy Carter’s funeral. It’s a reminder that she’s not just one side of a political machine. She’s a human being.

Amidst design choices, she’s acutely aware of how important her role is as First Lady. She clearly has reverence for the position and is determined to bring her own poise, style and sense of class. While the film barely touches on what her preparations were like during her first term, here she knows what she wants and her confidence is enough for her team to trust her decisions.

Designing the dress
© 2026 Amazon MGM Studios

It’s easy to be on our best behavior when the camera is on, but there’s a strong sense that this is just who she is. Unapologetic and determined. On-camera she treats her team with dignity and respect and it’s hard to imagine it’s any different when recording stops.

To some, this might seem like an exercise in excessive luxury. But she doesn’t seem focused on luxury—rather, she’s intent on making sure her piece of the Trump Administration matches the high American standard, ready to go toe-to-toe (and in some cases outstep it) on the world stage.

But the film itself never quite draws a dramatic narrative despite the controversial and sometimes divisive nature of a new administration. There’s no shortage of strong opinions, and while it’s clear Melania understands her mission in all this, there’s little emotional drama to anchor the documentary. As it is, it plays like an observational documentary, more a chronicle, than a deep, heartfelt glimpse.

Red folder design
© 2026 Amazon MGM Studios

The film touches on her humanitarian work with the Gaza Strip and her focus on helping children live their best lives, but it’s more reporting than a heart-stretching deep dive.

There are several good moments stitched together that work as a whole even if they lack serious depth. Likely, there will be strong opinions regarding the film. It’s evident by the immense gap between Rotten Tomatoes critics and audience scores. If there’s one thing the film makes clear, it’s that the woman carries herself with undeniable style, grace and class.