Directed by Brett Ratner and produced by Melania Trump herself, the 1-hour-44-minute PG-rated documentary "Melania" opened wide on January 30 via Amazon MGM Studios, earning $2.9 million on Friday across 1,778 theaters and projecting an $8 million weekend, the strongest non-concert documentary debut in the past ten years. Audiences embraced the film with an A on CinemaScore, 5 stars on PostTrak, and 99% on Rotten Tomatoes' Popcornmeter, proving strong public interest in the First Lady's intimate behind-the-scenes look at inauguration planning, White House transition, and family life.
The film follows Melania Trump's journey through the 2017 presidential transition, White House preparations, and the move to Washington, D.C., offering a personal perspective on the challenges and triumphs of becoming First Lady. Analysts had forecasted a more modest opening between $1 million and $5 million for the weekend, making the $8 million projection a clear outperformance and a sign that the documentary resonates with viewers seeking an inside view of the Trump era from Melania's standpoint.
Conservatives have hailed the strong debut as validation of Melania Trump's enduring popularity and the film's authentic storytelling, contrasting sharply with mainstream media portrayals. The high audience scores indicate broad approval from regular moviegoers.
The success also marks a win for Amazon MGM Studios' distribution strategy, placing the film in 1,778 theaters nationwide and capitalizing on interest in the Trump family ahead of ongoing political developments. With the weekend projection holding firm, "Melania" is poised to become one of the highest-grossing documentaries in recent years outside concert films.
