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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Reports of Dismal Ticket Sales<br />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."<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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."<br /><br />The "Perfume Ad" Criticism<br />Social media reaction to the trailer and promotional materials has been largely derisive.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Vandalized Promotions: Promotional posters in several cities have reportedly been defaced with spray paint, further reflecting the polarized public response.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />The "Palace Intrigue" and Ivanka’s Absence<br />A significant portion of the online chatter surrounds the reported "erasure" of Ivanka Trump from the project.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />The President’s Defense<br />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.
