Here’s a bold statement: a documentary about Melania Trump, the former First Lady, just hit UK and Ireland cinemas—but its box office numbers tell a story that’s hard to ignore. And this is the part most people miss: the film, simply titled Melania, brought in just £32,974 during its opening weekend, a figure that pales in comparison to the £215,804 earned by a re-release of The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Melania offers an authorized, nearly two-hour glimpse into her life during the 20 days leading up to her husband’s hypothetical return to the White House in January 2025, critics have slammed it as more of a “branding exercise” than a genuine documentary. The Telegraph went as far as calling it “North Korea-style propaganda with a dash of Ralph Lauren,” while The Guardian awarded it zero stars. The New York Times described it as a “carefully stage-managed chronicle,” raising questions about its authenticity. Screening at 155 cinemas and averaging £213 per site, the film ranked a modest 29th in weekend box office rankings, according to the British Film Institute (BFI). Meanwhile, Hamnet, the top-grossing film of the weekend, raked in £1.41 million—a staggering 42 times more than Melania’s earnings. Over four weeks, Hamnet has amassed £14.84 million, highlighting the stark contrast in audience interest. But here’s the real question: Is Melania a missed opportunity to humanize a polarizing figure, or is it a calculated attempt to reshape her public image? Let’s spark some debate—what do you think? Does this documentary deserve the criticism it’s received, or is it being unfairly judged? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
