Melania: An Original Look into the First Lady's World

The Melania documentary (2026, directed by Brett Ratner and released by Amazon MGM Studios) clocks in at one hour and 44 minutes. It provides an intimate portrayal of First Lady Melania Trump and unprecedented access during the 20 days leading up to her husband's second presidential inauguration in January 2025.

Film-goers experience exclusive footage—capturing private conversations, critical meetings, and behind-the-scenes moments never before seen. It feels genuinely rare. Melania comes across as genuinely dedicated to her role as First Lady - coordinating inauguration events and discussing her charitable initiatives (like “Be Best” and “Fostering the Future”). There are wardrobe fittings and discussions about the construction of her clothes. Melania attributes her style and understanding about garments to her mother who made many of her clothes as a girl.

About half way through the documentary, President Trump joins her as a result of former President Jimmy Carter’s death. (President Carter lied in state between January 7th to the 9th, 2025) President Carter’s death causes Melania to reflect upon her mother’s death in January 2024. These are very personal moments and the viewer realizes how much her mother meant to her. As Inauguration Day approaches, Melania is very concerned about both President Trump’s and Barron’s safety, and voices her appreciation that the Inauguration will be in–doors.

There are surprisingly candid moments where President Trump is seen practicing his inauguration speech and taking her input.  Throughout Inauguration Day, the viewer sees the President and Melania getting ready at Blair House and then backstage before the Inauguration ceremony. The film follows them attending luncheons, events at Capitol One Arena, and then, in the evening, dancing at the Inauguration Balls. It was a 22-hour day for them!

Visually, the production is stunning. The cinematography is beautiful. There are sweeping shots of Mar-a-Lago, their opulent New York home, and the White House. The soundtrack is unexpected: a greatest hits combination of 1980s and 1960s tunes, featuring Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” (her favorite song and performer) to Spandau Ballet’s “True” to Tears for Fears “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.”  Other tracks included are the Rolling Stones “Gimme Shelter,” a remake of the Classics IV’s “Sunny” by Boney M, and James Brown “It’s a Man’s World.”

Critics complain that there is endless footage of Melania walking from one room to another, but what do you expect from a real-life model. Plus, this footage effectively transitions from one scene to the next one. Actually, one of the best scenes in the documentary is seeing Joe and Jill Biden leave the White House!

For supporters of the President Trump and Melania, this is a must-watch. It offers a positive, insider perspective on a figure who has often been misunderstood or underrepresented, revealing her as a dedicated spouse, mother, and public servant navigating extraordinary circumstances with poise and purpose.