The upcoming documentary titled "Melania"—produced by her own company, Muse Films, and distributed by Amazon MGM Studios—has become a focal point of social media mockery and industry skepticism as it nears its January 30, 2026, theatrical release.
Despite a reported $40 million licensing deal and a high-profile premiere scheduled for January 29, early tracking and social media sentiment suggest the film is facing a cold reception from both critics and the general public.
Reports of Dismal Ticket Sales
Industry insiders and tracking models have painted a bleak picture for the film's opening weekend, contrasting sharply with the President's claims that tickets are a "very hard get."
Weak Presales: Box office analysts currently forecast a domestic opening in the low single-digit millions ($1M–$2M), a fraction of the studio’s investment.
Empty Theaters: Reports have surfaced of "practically empty" theaters in major markets. In New York and even Trump-friendly Palm Beach, sources claim only a handful of seats have been booked for opening night screenings.
Pricing Backlash: Many potential viewers have balked at the $25 ticket price for what some critics have labeled a "104-minute transition vlog" or a "long-form campaign advertisement."
The "Perfume Ad" Criticism
Social media reaction to the trailer and promotional materials has been largely derisive.
Staged Visuals: Critics on platforms like X and Reddit have mocked the cinematography as "static" and "staged," comparing the aesthetic to a "high-budget perfume advertisement" rather than a legitimate documentary.
Vandalized Promotions: Promotional posters in several cities have reportedly been defaced with spray paint, further reflecting the polarized public response.
Director Controversy: The involvement of director Brett Ratner, who is attempting a comeback after being blacklisted in 2017 following sexual misconduct allegations, has added another layer of controversy and led some mainstream outlets to limit their coverage of the film.
The "Palace Intrigue" and Ivanka’s Absence
A significant portion of the online chatter surrounds the reported "erasure" of Ivanka Trump from the project.
Intentional Omission: Insiders claim that Melania, who served as an executive producer, deliberately removed any mention or footage of her stepdaughter to ensure the film remained a "character-driven portrait" of her own role.
The "Princess" vs. "The Portrait": The snub has revitalized long-standing rumors of a rift between the two, with commenters noting that Ivanka was also noticeably absent from the guest list for the premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center.
The President’s Defense
President Trump has pushed back against the "flop" narrative, calling the film "incredible" during a gaggle on Air Force One. While admitting he had only seen clips, he compared the documentary’s potential success to the First Lady's recent best-selling book, insisting that demand for the premiere is "sky-high" among the elite.
