The theatrical landscape shifted this weekend as the documentary “Melania” shattered expectations, pulling in $8.1 million over its opening three-day window. The film, which chronicles the final 20 days leading up to President Trump’s second inauguration, now officially holds the title for the biggest documentary opening in over a decade.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!A Polarizing Powerhouse
The film’s success highlights a massive divide between public interest and critical reception:
- The Crowd: Audiences have embraced the film with open arms, resulting in a rare “A” CinemaScore. The turnout was driven heavily by older demographics, with over 75% of ticket buyers aged 55 or older.
- The Critics: On the flip side, professional reviews have been scathing. Critics have labeled the Brett Ratner-directed project a “glossy PR exercise,” leaving it with a dismal 11% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
By the Numbers
| Metric | Detail |
| Opening Weekend | $8.1 Million |
| Previous Record (Decade) | $After Death ($5.0M in 2023)* |
| Market Strength | Strongest in FL, TX, and OH |
| Distribution | 10-day theatrical window before streaming |
What’s Next?
The “record-breaker” status provides a significant boost for Amazon MGM Studios, which plans to pivot the film to Prime Video just in time for President’s Day weekend. The goal is to turn this theatrical momentum into a massive streaming event.
