If there’s one thing you should know about the new biographical drama “The Apprentice,” it’s that former President Donald Trump would prefer you skip it.
Premiering to generally positive reception at the Cannes Film Festival in May, the film follows a young Trump, played by Sebastian Stan, as he becomes entangled with the influential lawyer and political fixer Roy Cohn (portrayed by Jeremy Strong). It depicts Trump’s audacious pursuit—and subsequent disinterest—in his first wife, Ivana Trump (Maria Bakalova), and his relentless fixation on winning, no matter the cost.
Despite acclaim for performances by Stan and Strong, the Iranian director Ali Abbasi’s film, scripted by author Gabriel Sherman, faced challenges in securing distribution. Trump even threatened legal action to halt its release.
However, in August, Briarcliff Entertainment—headed by Tom Ortenberg, known for producing “Spotlight” and “W”—secured the film’s distribution rights and set a release date ahead of the presidential election. The movie premiered in theaters on October 10, garnering more positive feedback but only earning $3.5 million at the box office. Now, it is set to debut on demand this weekend.
Key Points About the Film’s Focus
Which phase of Trump’s life is depicted? The story captures Trump’s early years as a New York real estate developer. The title, however, nods to the reality TV show Trump would go on to host for 14 seasons. It opens in 1973 with a 27-year-old Trump meeting Cohn at an upscale New York club, tracks his tumultuous relationship with Ivana, and concludes in 1986, when Trump distances himself from Cohn, who is battling AIDS.
How is Trump characterized? Trump is shown as ambitious and shrewd, seeking Cohn’s help to navigate legal challenges when he and his father face accusations of racial discrimination in housing. He is also portrayed as vain, undergoing cosmetic procedures to conceal baldness; unfeeling, shown in his treatment of his dying mentor; and ruthless, with one harrowing scene depicting him assaulting Ivana.
Who was Roy Cohn? Cohn was a formidable prosecutor-turned-defense attorney, notorious for prosecuting alleged Communist sympathizers during the 1950s Red Scare. Known for his hardball tactics, he wielded significant influence to shield clients—including Mafia figures—from legal peril, leveraging insider connections within New York’s spheres of power. Publicly, he spearheaded the purging of gay employees from government roles, all while concealing his own sexuality.
