A new documentary focusing on former First Lady Melania Trump has dramatically exceeded industry projections by generating over $7 million during its inaugural weekend in U.S. theaters. Titled ‘Melania: 20 Days to History,’ the film offers an intimate portrayal of her experiences in the weeks preceding her husband’s presidential inauguration in January 2025.
Amazon MGM Studios acquired the global distribution rights for a record-breaking $40 million, supplemented by an additional $35 million allocated for promotional campaigns. This investment positions the project as the most costly documentary ever produced. Despite initial forecasts estimating a $5 million opening, the film’s performance stunned industry analysts and marked the most successful non-fiction debut in the past ten years.
Directed by Brett Ratner—whose return to filmmaking follows previous allegations of sexual misconduct, which he has denied—the documentary has also drawn attention due to recent photographs circulating of Ratner with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Ratner’s representatives have not provided comments regarding these images.
Audience demographics indicate particularly strong reception among older white women in politically conservative regions such as Texas and Florida. The film has earned an ‘A’ grade from CinemaScore based on viewer surveys and holds a 99% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, critical reception stands in stark contrast, with many professional reviewers dismissing the project as overtly staged propaganda. Some critics have described it as a ‘shameless infomercial’ and an ‘obsequious portrait’ of the Trump administration.
Industry observers have questioned Amazon’s substantial financial commitment, suggesting potential political motivations behind the deal. Amazon has consistently denied these claims, stating that the acquisition was driven solely by anticipated customer interest. The agreement also includes rights to a subsequent docu-series centered on Melania Trump, which Amazon expects to perform well across its streaming platform in the coming months.