NEW YORK, January 29, 2026 – A new documentary about Melania Trump is drawing sparse crowds to theaters, despite a hefty $75 million investment from Amazon and its founder, Jeff Bezos. just 12 people attended a Friday showing at an AMC near Times Square,with many of those present being members of the press.
Few Appear Interested in ‘Melania’ Documentary despite Big Budget
The film, intended to offer a glimpse into the former first lady’s life, has struggled to attract audiences, raising questions about public interest.
- The documentary reportedly cost Amazon $40 million to acquire and an additional $35 million to market.
- Attendance at screenings has been notably low, with some theaters showing to almost empty rooms.
- The film’s subject, melania trump, is described as an uneasy presence on screen.
- Some viewers found the film surprisingly interesting, while others deemed it unengaging.
Jim Behrle, a 52-year-old Democrat, admitted he went to see the film “as I thought it might be funny.” He found “some interesting stuff” and appreciated the footage, but ultimately described the film as “not a gripping film.” Behrle attended thanks to a monthly movie pass costing $29.
Critics have noted Melania Trump’s apparent discomfort in front of the camera,and the film itself focuses heavily on mundane activities like trying on clothes and footage of croquet games at Mar-a-Lago,resembling scenes from a retirement community. Despite the financial outlay, the documentary appears unlikely to generate a significant return on investment for Amazon, though maintaining a positive relationship with the former president might potentially be a valuable asset for Bezos.
