A new documentary about First Lady Melania Trump hit theaters across America on Friday, drawing packed crowds in some cities and nearly empty rooms in others.
The film, titled “Melania,” offers an intimate look at 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s return to office.
Amazon MGM Studios paid $40 million to acquire rights to the documentary, sparking controversy and corruption allegations that President Trump quickly dismissed.
Reception varied wildly depending on location, with Trump supporters flocking to early screenings while Washington DC theaters filled mostly with journalists.
Midwest Theaters Pack Houses with Supporters
Nearly 100 people—mostly older women—filled a Regal theater northeast of Indianapolis for one of Friday’s first showings. Just two rows remained empty in the venue.
Marla Ailor, elected clerk-treasurer of nearby Westfield who attended Trump’s inauguration last year, found herself relating to what she saw onscreen.
It’s a gauntlet. You really appreciate what they have to go through in order to get through an event like that, and what their day must really be like.
Her empathy grew after watching Melania Trump kick off her heels following a grueling day that included three balls and a 2 a.m. return to the White House.
In Carmel, Indiana, approximately 20 women active in local politics purchased tickets together for the 12:45 p.m. screening, demonstrating organized support for the first family.
Washington DC Screening Becomes Press Event
The nation’s capital told a starkly different story. At Regal Gallery Place downtown, the 11:30 a.m. showing was only one-third filled—and almost entirely with reporters.
Representatives from NPR, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic packed the theater.
Before previews began, one male reporter called out asking if everyone present was a journalist. A chorus of affirmative responses echoed across the room.
When he asked if any civilians attended, only one woman responded—noting she came with a journalist friend.
President Trump Steals Comedic Moments
Surprisingly, President Trump drew most laughs throughout the documentary rather than his wife.
One scene shows Donald Trump asking Melania if she watched his election night victory speech. She responds—seemingly rushing to end the call—that she’ll catch it later on news coverage.
Audiences chuckled when Trump learned he’d ride to inauguration with outgoing President Joe Biden and quipped about what an interesting drive it would be.
A standout moment for many viewers showed Melania suggesting the word “unifier” while watching her husband practice his inaugural address. Trump incorporated her suggestion and pointed to her after delivering that line during his actual speech.
The Heel Controversy That Captivated Viewers
Across different cities and demographics, one detail resonated universally: Melania Trump’s stamina in high heels.
Mary Eike, a 74-year-old retired CPA from Los Angeles who arrived early for the first screening, expressed admiration after watching.
What I couldn’t get over was 22 hours in heels — looking drop dead gorgeous after 22 hours.
Before seeing the film, Eike told CNN she felt motivated to attend because she believes it’s about time someone showcased the first lady properly.
This woman is beautiful and she’s charming and nice and just a strong person. If I had a daughter, I’d want her to be just like her.
Mixed International Reception
London audiences proved less enthusiastic. One attendee compared the documentary to “if Victoria Beckham became first lady.”
Siblings Daniel and Elise Fairweather both disliked the film. Daniel called it “tone-deaf” despite claiming he likes Melania Trump personally.
She’s surrounded by ‘yes’ men.
Elise Fairweather’s assessment reflected broader European skepticism about the documentary’s purpose and presentation.
Behind-the-Scenes Details Resonate Most
Despite varied reactions, many viewers appreciated glimpses into aspects of White House life rarely seen publicly.
Kenny Cormack of Meridian, Idaho, attended primarily to accompany his mother and sister. He found himself surprisingly impressed by specific details.
The influence she had on the decorations, and the thought that went into it. That part kind of impressed me.
A nearly-full 73-seat theater at Cinemark Majestic in Meridian showcased mostly subdued reactions from audiences appearing to be in their 50s through 70s, predominantly female.
They chuckled occasionally—such as when Melania calls her husband and says “Hi, Mr. President” and receives “Hi, honey” in response.
Emotional Moments Strike Chords
Erica Strahm, a 52-year-old youth coordinator from Westfield, Indiana, said she teared up multiple times during the screening.
Particularly moving was when Melania Trump discussed her relationship with her mother, who passed away in early 2024.
I didn’t know what to expect, and I thought it was fantastic. It was one of those movies where at the end I wanted to clap.
Strahm explained she wanted to see the film opening day to demonstrate support, appreciating the behind-the-scenes access viewers don’t normally receive.
Musical Moments Add Levity
Some attendees found lighter moments particularly memorable. Maggie Little, 69, from Jupiter, Florida, loved the music featured throughout.
Scenes showing Melania Trump singing Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” during a car ride and waving her hands to Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.” provided entertaining glimpses of her personality.
Eva Hackett, an 80-year-old retired real estate agent from Los Angeles, said the documentary increased her admiration for the first lady.
I have a lot of admiration, more for her now than before. I knew she was intelligent. I always liked the fact that she was stubborn.
Hackett appreciated gaining insight into everything that goes into being first lady—the long days, endless patience required, and behind-the-scenes work.
Political Statement Through Ticket Sales
Across America, many Trump supporters explicitly stated they purchased opening day tickets as demonstrations of support for the first family.
President Trump addressed corruption allegations on Thursday during a Kennedy Center premiere, dismissing suggestions that Amazon’s $40 million payment constituted impropriety.
I think it’s really going to be very important. It shows life in the White House. It’s a big deal actually.
Whether viewers attended as supporters, critics, or journalists, “Melania” sparked conversations about first lady responsibilities, White House operations, and political documentary filmmaking in modern America.