Rating: Withheld
Released 10-11-2024
Watched 02-02-2025
Reviewed 02-06-2025
Rented from Disney +
"I'd say if you're indicted, you're invited."
In a year already dominated by political discourse, The Apprentice (2024) arrives as a dramatization of the early business career of Donald Trump, the 45th and now 47th President of the United States. Directed by Ali Abbasi, the film follows a young Trump (played by Sebastian Stan) as he navigates the high-stakes world of New York real estate under the mentorship of Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong), a powerful and controversial attorney.
As expected, reactions to the film are deeply polarized—your perception of it will likely align with your view of President Trump himself. The Apprentice does not present itself as a documentary, yet the boundaries between historical fact and narrative embellishment are left deliberately blurred. The film walks a fine line between biographical drama and political commentary, making it difficult to discern how much is grounded in reality and how much is shaped by artistic and ideological choices.
Sebastian Stan delivers a committed performance, earning an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Trump. He captures the voice, mannerisms, and evolution of the character in a way that feels immersive rather than caricatured. Jeremy Strong, also Oscar-nominated for his supporting role as Cohn, delivers an equally compelling performance, portraying the infamous lawyer as a sharp-witted and manipulative force. The dynamic between the two actors drives much of the film’s tension, depicting a relationship built on power, influence, and ambition.
Visually, the film succeeds in recreating the atmosphere of 1970s and ‘80s New York with well-crafted production design and cinematography. However, the storytelling choices invite scrutiny. Historical dramatizations often take creative liberties, but The Apprentice seems less concerned with balanced storytelling and more interested in reinforcing a particular perspective. There is a difference between presenting documented events with dramatic flair and distorting history to fit a narrative. Where this film falls on that spectrum is up for debate.
This raises the inevitable question: Is The Apprentice a necessary exploration of a public figure’s rise, or is it simply a political attack piece released in an election year? That will depend on the viewer. Those looking for a historically faithful account may find themselves questioning its accuracy, while others seeking a sharply performed dramatization might be more willing to accept its creative liberties.
Regardless of political stance, the performances are undeniably strong. Stan and Strong bring the script to life, ensuring that The Apprentice will be discussed, debated, and dissected for years to come. Whether it’s a bold character study or an opportunistic hit job, that’s for you to decide.
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