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The first part of this biopic is excellent. Sebastian Stan as a young Donald Trump is very good. He accurately portrays Trump's ambitious drive as well as the naivete of a young man not sure how to bring those ambitions to fruition. Then Trump meets Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong), the evil legal genius who advises him on how to fight the federal government's charges on racism in Trump's father's real estate empire. Cohn then helps him with other legal matters including getting property tax relief. Those parts of the movie are interesting and compelling with great performances by both Sebastain Stan and Jeremy Strong. In addition, Martin Donovan as Fred Trump and Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump are excellent. But then the movie rushes into the mid-1980's without much exposition or explanation. That is when the movie was a letdown for me - the time period is given short shrift by writer Gabriel Sherman as if he didn't know where to go after the interesting parts of the story with Cohn encouraging Trump's narcissism, angry rhetoric and avarice were over. And by the end of movie, you will almost feel sorry for Cohn when he realizes that he has created an even worse monster than himself. I think the movie could have been better as a mini-series (with some better writing), but I would still recommend it for the standout performances of Sebastain Stan and Jeremy Strong.

The title "The Apprentice" refers both to Donald Trump's TV show and to Trump's relationship with his mentor, Roy Cohn. The film is neither a takedown piece nor a glowing testimonial. It's much more nuanced and complicated than that.

The first half of the film takes place in 1973. Donald Trump is collecting rent from deadbeat tenants. He and his father are being sued by the Justice Department for housing discrimination. Their lawyers are urging them to settle the suit and move on. But then, a twenty-seven-year-old Trump meets Roy Cohn. A shady character on the fringe of rightwing politics (he made his name as lead counsel for Joseph McCarthy's communist witch hunt), Cohn recommends that the Trumps seize the initiative and countersue the federal government. With Cohn in charge, the case goes away with no admission of wrongdoing. Cohn also guides Trump through the machinations of NYC politics, helping him take over a boarded-up Commodore Hotel, secure tax abatements from city government and ultimately transform the property into the Hyatt Hotel at Grand Central Station. Along the way, Cohn teaches an impressionable Trump his three rules: 1) attack, attack, attack, 2) deny everything, admit nothing, 3) no matter what actually happens, always claim victory.

The last half of the film is set in the early 1980s. Trump opens his namesake Tower. He becomes convinced that Atlantic City's casinos will be his path to untold riches. And he hires a writer to pen "The Art of the Deal." By this point, he has fully mastered the art of self-promotion.

At its core, "The Apprentice" is an origin story. Iranian-Danish Director Ali Abbasi ("Holy Spider," "Border") and "Vanity Fair" writer Gabriel Sherman argue persuasively that Trump was molded, almost created, by Roy Cohn. But Cohn's influence eventually wanes. Even as Trump's star ascends in the 80's, Cohn is disgraced (he's disbarred for stealing from clients) and marginalized. He eventually dies of AIDS (although he claimed to his dying breath that he was suffering from liver cancer). By the time "The Art of the Deal" is published, Trump has decided that Cohn's three rules and his own fame were based on Trump's ideas all along.

Director Abbasi also points out the weird confluence of factors that have helped Trump flourish: a ruthless, winner-take-all version of capitalism that deifies those who succeed; a legal system easily manipulated by the rich to crush opponents or to postpone their own day of reckoning (after screening at Cannes, this film received a "cease and desist" order from Trump's attorneys); a US political system that has no idea how to constrain an individual who operates according to Cohn's three rules.

The acting here is superb. As Roy Cohn, Jeremy Strong (Kendall on TV's "Succession") is simply mesmerizing. He compellingly embodies the internal contradictions of Cohn, a lawyer who shows complete disdain for the legal system, a Jewish man who embraces antisemitism, a closeted gay man who publicly demeans homosexuality at every opportunity. Sebastian Stan (Marvel series) as Trump and Oscar-nominated Maria Bakalova ("Borat" sequel) also are worthy of note.

"The Apprentice" is certain to annoy those who love Trump as well as those who love to hate him. It's an origin story that offers a scathing assessment of American culture and American politics. It demonstrates persuasively that one of America's most unique and distinctive personalities - and the rules that animate him - were actually crafted, molded and created by somebody else.

"The Apprentice" doesn't hold back. It doesn't try to be objective or find nuance where there is none; instead, it dives headfirst into the rise of a young Donald Trump, portraying him as a man shaped by manipulation, lack of scruples, and relentless ambition. This isn't a traditional biopic-it's a reconstruction of how his mindset was forged, leading him to become a figure who would later leave a profound mark on American politics.

Sebastian Stan takes on the challenge of portraying Trump without resorting to caricature or exaggerated imitation. His performance is unsettling because he captures not just the speech patterns and mannerisms, but also the calculated opportunism that defines him. Alongside him, Jeremy Strong plays Roy Cohn, Trump's mentor and a pivotal figure in his development. Strong's presence is magnetic, making it clear that Cohn's influence was instrumental in shaping Trump's worldview.

Ali Abbasi directs with a firm hand, avoiding unnecessary embellishments. The film works as a stark examination of corruption, power, and the dangerous alliances that can transform an individual into a media monster. It's a raw depiction that makes it clear that impunity and cynicism are essential tools in the world it portrays.

If The Apprentice has a flaw, it's that it doesn't always delve deeply into the psychology of its central character. It presents the events but sometimes lacks a more detailed analysis of his inner motivations. However, the emotional impact is undeniable.

In the end, the film accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do: it unsettles. There is no redemption, no unexpected twists-just a stark exposure of a transformation where anything goes in the pursuit of power. If you already despised Trump before watching, by the end, that feeling will have only intensified.

The film's director said in a recent interview that he wasn't sure if this film would enhance or detract from Donald Trump's reputation...

Having watched it, I'm not sure either...

I was initially attracted to this film as an MCU fan. Donald Trump is played by Sebastian Stan who is Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier in Marvel films. He does not disappoint as the US President to be...

The movie certainly starts off by making Trump look more human than perhaps he or some of the media have in the last few years...

How he's changed by the apprenticeship under Roy Cohn & the money & the power is certainly one of the themes...

The shots of him in the 80's that are made to look grainy like 80's TV are a nice touch...

If I have one criticism (which is why I gave it a 7) it is that the screenwriter didn't seem to know how to end it...

But it's worth watching just to see how well Donald Trump, Roy Cohn & Ivana Trump are portrayed... and how they are developed through the film...

I went into this movie without knowing much, it just popped up on my radar on opening night, so I had to check it out. I expected some tension at the theater, but there wasn't any, which was a relief. Overall, I didn't get any political vibes from the film. As for accuracy, I can't say for sure, but in America's current climate, what is truly accurate anymore?

The acting was phenomenal. Some actors and production team members will likely pick up awards, if not the movie itself. The story was decent, not overly exciting, but interesting because the main character was once the President, and everyone has some opinion about him. It was fascinating to get a glimpse into his life. A lot of it felt grounded in reality, though who really knows. It didn't seem far-fetched, but there were definitely some cold, crazy moments.

Essentially, it's about how Trump became Trump, which isn't inherently interesting, but the draw is seeing a revealing look at such a private figure. Private in the sense that we never really know if what he says is true. In fact, that is one of his mantras according to the film. The movie didn't impact my political views, but I recommend checking it out, if only to support a crew that took a risk with a film bound to get backlash.

Sebastian Stan's portrayal of a young Donald Trump is so compelling that it effectively immerses the audience in the character, making it easy to forget that he is an actor. His precise use of body language and facial expressions contributes significantly to the authenticity of the characterization.

Jeremy Strong's performance as Roy Cohn is exceptional, showcasing a commanding screen presence that often eclipses that of the protagonist. His portrayal has not only captivated audiences but also successfully garnered him a new fanbase, which still would be an understatement of the impact his role has had.

Maria Bakalova's portrayal of Ivana Trump effectively captures the audience's attention whenever she appears on screen. Her nuanced performance brings depth and authenticity to the character with ability to convey both strength and vulnerability - transforming what could have been a weak link in the cast into a strong fit that enhances the overall dynamics of the ensemble.

Martin Donovan, Catherine McNally, and Ben Sullivan deliver outstanding performances as strong supporting pillars, ensuring that the narrative remains cohesive. Their contributions create a compelling backdrop that enhances the overall storytelling, making it impossible for the audience to overlook their presence.

Jeremy Strong and Sebastian Stan deliver a powerful performance as a duo, leaving a lasting impact that lingers well beyond the film's conclusion. Their portrayals skillfully illustrate the transition of power dynamics from Roy Cohn to Donald Trump, showcasing their equal mastery in navigating this complex evolving relationship with remarkable finesse and equal depth.

Ali Abbasi captures the essence of 1970s and '80s New York through meticulous direction and a keen eye for visual detail. His use of muted tones and warm hues evokes the gritty yet vibrant atmosphere of the era, while dynamic camera movements and carefully framed shots immerse the audience in the city's streets and intimate settings. This blend of realism and stylization authentically portrays not only transports viewers back in time but also highlights the emotional and social complexities of life in New York during this transformative period, creating a film that resonates with nostalgia and offers a fresh historical perspective.

Sum up - "The Apprentice" presents a captivating fusion of upbeat humor and thrilling narrative elements, engaging viewers from beginning to end. The sharpness in direction ensures a dynamic pacing that maintains audience interest throughout. Additionally, the visual aesthetics not only complement the narrative but also enhance the emotional resonance of the story, drawing the audience deeper into the film's atmosphere.

Character development is handled with care, offering relatable figures whose interactions evoke both humor and depth. This multifaceted approach allows for an emotional connection that elevates the narrative, making the film both entertaining and meaningful.

Overall, "The Apprentice" stands out in its genre as an upbeat and engaging film, skillfully combining humor with thrilling elements. These compelling combinations ensure that audiences are not just passive observers but active participants in the story, leaving them with a sense of satisfaction and anticipation for what lies ahead. As a result, "The Apprentice" emerges as a memorable film that resonates long after the credits roll.

I saw this at a premiere screening and was blown away. The story is well told and accurate, which was refreshing. It was a reasonable portrayal of a fascinating man. What really got me was the acting. Sebastian Stan was phenomenal. He nailed Trump's mannerisms, and yet never fell into a caricature.

Jeremy Strong did a fantastic job of portraying Roy Cohen. The only thing that didn't quite land for me was that the character of Roy Cohen was presented as somewhat sympathetic and not as sinister and psychopathic as he actually was (not Strong's fault - that was the script). Other than that, an excellent and thought-provoking biopic.

In The Apprentice, Stan stars as a young Donald Trump and his experience being influenced by lawyer Roy Cohn, played by Jeremy Strong. The best part about this movie is the acting. Stan captures Trump's mannerisms perfectly and how he carries himself. I don't know how much of the story is true. I'm sure they took liberties with it. Whether you like Trump or not, it's hard not to like the performances and the filmmaking style. The cinematography is pretty solid, too. It all comes together nicely.

What hurts the movie the most may be the giant difference in how good the first half is and how bad the second half is. It loses steam halfway through. It goes from an interesting and smart drama with good pace, to a "Look how bad Trump is" fest. It's a little jarring and I wanted to just turn it off about 3/4 of the way through. I appreciate this movie for what it is, but I couldn't help but feel there were some missed opportunities and truly unbelievable moments toward the back half.

I don't really get who this movie is for. If you like Donald Trump, why would you watch this? The Apprentice depicts the worst version you could imagine of Trump, if one is to take the film's presentation as all based in fact. If you dislike Donald Trump, why would you watch this? I can't imagine someone who hates Trump choosing to spend 2 hours with Trump in the context of a film. I think this movie came out at the absolute worst possible time and would've been better suited for years or decades down the road. Though it doesn't offer much kick, it offers a dark and relevant portrait of the minds of those able to game the US in their favour. The movie doesn't attribute any grand or personal motivations to their pursuits for power. But I think that may be true about power hungry people: they're just empty, clawing and climbing because they don't know what else to do with themselves. It's an interesting portrait of Trump because it doesn't sensationalize, just lets you sit with how pathetic he is. Shows you what he wouldn't want you to see which is the careful construction of a personality that he markets as authentic. Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong are both excellent here. Stan embodies Trump from a much deeper place than an impression would give, and Strong is calmly terrifying with his zombied eyes. The movie works because of these performances.

This film was utterly brilliant from start to finish. The acting was definitely the best part and led by two extraordinary performances: Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong. This is the best work I have seen from Sebastian Stan, and one of the best works from Jeremy Strong (Succession is still his best). Stan completely becomes the character of Trump. He doesn't try mimicking him, but rather portrays a nuanced performance. In the best way possible, this film feels like it was made in the 1970s. The look, the atmosphere, and the performances really encapsulate the feel of 1970s films. One aspect I really loved about the film was that it was an actual good film. If you took out the fact that it is about Donald Trump, and made it completely fictional, it would still be a great film, and the two leads would still be great performances.

The Apprentice is a standard issue biopic that covers as much of Donald Trump's rise as possible. What makes it better than that sounds are the strong performances and stylish filmmaking, which elevate it into something more memorable. A supervillain origin story is an extremely fitting description for a film that's main ambition is to show how a monster was created and lost any shred of humanity that was there to begin with.

Sebastian Stan gives an amazing performance shortly after his phenomenal performance in A Different Man, proving he's the best actor currently working in and out of the MCU. He nails the look, mannerisms, and bullish personality of Trump and comes closer to looking like him as it goes along. Jeremy Strong was born to play roles like this due to his ability to convey a dominant and unflinching presence with ease, plus it's not his first time doing this either.

Ali Abbasi's direction has a strong grasp of the tone as Stan taking the final step into his Trump transformation is horrifying in more ways than one and uses Kasper Tuxen's frenetic documentary style cinematography to bring a lot of energy to the proceedings. The soundtrack contains some appropriately lively songs to keep that energy going and the score by Brian Irvine, Martin Dirkov and David Holmes doesn't sound how you'd expect, which works in its favour.

As a Brit, I find the Trump shenanigans in the news both absurd and astonishing, yet oddly entertaining at times. This film seemed to capture some of that chaotic energy, but unfortunately, it didn't hold my attention for long. The acting was solid and well-delivered, but the story itself felt rather uninspired. While the premise had potential, it never really developed into something gripping. By the halfway mark, the plot seemed to skim along without much substance or depth. It left me feeling quite disengaged, and overall, I found it pretty dull and forgettable. I was hoping for more complexity or nuance, but it just wasn't there.

The strength of the Apprentice comes from the excellent performances from Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong. The film is otherwise a decent but unremarkable story that will bring very little surprise to anyone with an awareness of Donald Trump.

None the less, they story is told in an entertaining way, drawing on various references to assemble a biographical portrait of Trumps growing status and influence in New York in the seventies and eighties. With a particular focus on his relationship with infamous lawyer Roy Cohn, who is shown as a mentor figure.

Stan gives an impressive interpretation of Trump through the years. Notable was the subtleness of the impression in the early years and almost imperceptible progression to the version of Trump that is much more recognisable today.

The Apprentice is not a revelatory examination of how Trump became Trump. It is rather a window into events of his life. We watch him take shape, but not significantly change. And in that way the film appears to lack depth. But that may in fact be there point, that there is no change to show. The man is what he is and always has been.

This was pretty good.

The acting was strong, and it's really well shot.

The problem lies with the narrative arc. The first half of the film is pretty engaging -- it deals with some interesting themes, especially around a young, ambitious and well resourced (rich) man taken under the wing of an outwardly successful, if insecure insider (Cohen).

The second half becomes one-dimentional, hitting the same note over and over. It presents Trump as an uninteresting guy (which I think he is in many ways), but that makes for an uninteresting story. Especially so as the most interesting aspect to Trump is his ability to be twice elected.

Good characters have great depth and complexity, Trump, in the second act of this film, has almost none. He's just unlikable. He's merely cruel. He's only selfish. There's something potentially compelling about his interactions with Roy Cohen, but it's minimal and repetitive.

Such interactions may well be interesting in theory, but it's not well played here. Watch the first 45 minutes (no pun intended there about Trump's first presidential number), but I wouldn't recommend bothering with the second half.

Greetings again from the darkness. Many questions remain unanswered, but one point is clear ... Donald Trump was not 'born' this way. Ali Abbasi directs a script from journalist Gabriel Sherman (Vanity Fair, New York Magazine) and it's meant to explain the foundation of the man who would become President. Two distinct parts of the film are divided into the 1970's and then the 1980's, and that first part is infinitely more interesting and better presented.

Sebastian Stan is best known as Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Universe, but here he captures the essence of a Donald Trump many won't recognize. In the 1970's, Donald was a VP of his dad's real estate development company, and his big dreams were constantly squashed by either a domineering dad or a system that made no room for vision. This was a young (late 20's) Trump who was told he resembled matinee idol Robert Redford, and that he was foolish for trying to rescue Manhattan from the cesspool of decay it had become. In fact, Trump deserves much credit for at least dreaming of a bounce back from a city on the verge of bankruptcy.

Donald's life (and the movie) shift into overdrive once powerhouse attorney Roy Cohn (a remarkable Jeremy Strong, "Succession") summons him to his dinner table. Cohn was previously an attorney for the infamous Senator Joseph McCarthy and was the chief prosecutor in the espionage trial of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. By the 1970's Cohn was the ultimate fixer and one of the most powerful attorneys in the country. We watch as he mentors and trains and counsels the young buck Trump by instilling his three rules: 1. Attack. Attack. Attack. 2. Admit nothing. Deny everything. 3. Claim victory, never admit defeat. These are the foundations of "the art of the deal", and really beyond that ... how to be a ruthless businessman and person.

That first awkward meeting led to a mentorship that is truly fascinating to watch on screen. Cohn pushing the eager Trump to become the shark he needs to be, all while his dad, Fred Trump (Martin Donovan) fights him each step. Stan and Strong are mesmerizing in this first hour. Stan captures Trump's familiar body language (slumped shoulders and hair fixation), while Strong hypnotizes with his steely-eyed stare. Trump mixes with powerful men like Rupert Murdoch, George Steinbrenner, and even Andy Warhol (whom he cluelessly asks if he's "successful"), and then fixates on Ivana (a terrific Maria Bakalova), ultimately marrying her ... it's the prenup agreement scene where the film shifts.

Jumping ahead to the 1980's, we find an arrogant Donald Trump ignoring Cohn's advice to slow down and reconsider the Atlantic City casino and hotel. Of course, time proves Cohn right, but by now, Trump listens to no one. An unethical approach to business dealings and his gaudy taste in everything becomes obvious at this point - from furnishings to cufflinks. Also, his treatment of family becomes apparent - not just with Ivana, but also with his brother Freddy (Charlie Carrick), who dad refers to as an "embarrassment" to the family since he's a commercial airline pilot and not a greedy capitalist in the family business. This humiliation leads Freddy to tragic alcoholism, and a brief sign of Donald's emotions.

The film's second half weakness stems from a Trump personality that is too similar to what we've been witnessing on the national level for the past decade. It's truly painful and disgusting to watch a man who cares so little for others or for what's right, and seizes on Cohn's tactic of cloaking himself in love of country to appear heroic. By this time, Trump distances himself from Cohn for a reason that highlights his lack of humanity. We also see Trump claim Cohn's three rules as his own while meeting with his biographer, and we note the roots of MAGA.

It must be noted that after the film was warmly received at Cannes, no distributors bid on it. Donald Trump had threatened a lawsuit. It took Briarcliff Entertainment to bravely step forward for the film to gain a theatrical release. Director Abbasi not so slyly opens the film with a fitting stage-setter: a clip of Watergate-era Richard Nixon proclaiming, "I'm not a crook." It's a legitimate question as to whether a movie about Donal Trump can avoid feeling a bit like a parody, even when it's not. My initial interest in the film was in comparing this early Donald Trump to my memories of him during that era - how he was presented in the media. It comes across as spot on, but of course, we would have had no concept of how Cohn was molding him. That's what this film accomplishes.

Opens in theaters on October 11, 2024.

I didn't see Sebastian Stan as Trump, I was thinking that putting a silly wig on someone's head doesn't make them look like him (see SNL sketches for that), but Stan _felt_ like Trump. He studied and evolved the mannerisms, not as a caricature, but as an artist and in the end did a great job. Consider that this is a film that takes place between 1973 and 1986, so he started with tiny little face expressions and then made them more and more pronounced as the movie went along.

Yet even with that performance, I think Jeremy Strong stole the show, as Trump's mentor and first lawyer Roy Cohn. He got an Oscar nomination for it and lost it to Kieran Culkin, who did a good job, too, but didn't wow me as much as Strong's stuff.

The film presents the evolution of Donald Trump from a young man trying to get from under his overbearing father to a successful business man. Also his involution from a person who cares, can fall in love and appreciate people to a cheap disloyal scumbag who can't say something true if his life depended on it. In that sense it was a political hitjob, because you can't see this film and appreciate Trump unless you're some sort of psycho. But that aside, this was a pretty good biopic, which surprised me.

I didn't expect this to be a good film: too many things to cover, too dangerous to get on someone's bad side and a lot of pressure. And still it was well done, well acted and almost subtle in its presentation. I wouldn't tell my friends to watch it, because of its subject, but as a movie it was darn good, especially the acting.

Ali Abbasi brings an ambitious attempt to decipher the origins of one of the most polarizing figures in recent U. S. history, Donald Trump, in "The Apprentice." However, the film's approach stumbles between satire, biographical drama, and social critique, never quite diving deep enough into any of these fronts. The narrative structure-split into two major acts: the 1970s, with a young Trump (Sebastian Stan) learning the rules of the game under the tutelage of Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong), and the 1980s, when he was already cementing himself as an icon of unchecked capitalism-ends up weakening the emotional and analytical impact of the story, leaving the feeling that we're watching a collage of events without truly understanding the protagonist.

Gabriel Sherman's script, written by a journalist, does a good job painting a portrait of a New York ruled by power plays, corruption, and opportunism. For a brief moment, the film captures the atmosphere of a world where morality is just another disposable detail on the road to success. Sebastian Stan delivers an intriguing performance, managing to capture Trump's budding arrogance and innate opportunism, but without offering a deeper dimension beyond the widely known stereotype of the tycoon. The real standout, however, is Jeremy Strong, whose magnetic presence dominates the screen. Strong portrays Roy Cohn as an almost Shakespearean figure-manipulative, ruthless, yet strangely charismatic, always aware of his own power and the corrosive influence he has over his protégé.

The first half of the film works well in establishing the mentor-apprentice dynamic, and there's something fascinating about watching the seeds of Trump's behavior being planted-the strategy of never admitting defeat, attacking relentlessly, and claiming victories at any cost are presented in a didactic yet effective way. Abbasi shoots these moments with a documentary-like tone, as if guiding us through an autopsy of American ambition. The problem arises in the transition to the second half, where the script takes a significant time jump, skipping over essential nuances in Trump's personality development. The passage of time doesn't feel organic, and the film assumes the audience already knows all the in-between moments, relying too heavily on well-known references and superficial archetypes.

This abrupt shift weakens the narrative by reducing the character to a caricature of himself, and as "The Apprentice" progresses, it starts slipping into satire that dangerously flirts with TV sketch-style imitation. Stan, as much as he tries to add complexity to the character, can't entirely escape some exaggerated mannerisms that sometimes feel reminiscent of the overplayed Trump parodies we've already seen in pop culture-though he still does a good job. Abbasi seems torn between creating a character study or making a broader statement about the corrosive effects of capitalism and American politics, and this indecision results in a film that lacks depth and focus.

Trump's relationship with Ivana (Maria Bakalova) is another underdeveloped aspect. Bakalova delivers a subtle performance, refusing to portray Ivana as the decorative wife many might imagine, but her scenes are sparse and underutilized, serving more as background than an opportunity to explore the protagonist's personal side. The moments that should humanize Trump end up feeling rushed, as if the film is more interested in speeding through to the most recognizable moments of his journey.

Visually, Abbasi adopts a style that shifts between gritty realism and an almost operatic tone at times. The recreation of 1970s and 80s New York is detailed and immersive, with a color palette that evolves from dark decay to the artificial glow of Reagan-era excess. The soundtrack, on the other hand, underscores the ironic tone of the narrative, highlighting Trump's rise with notes that echo both triumph and impending tragedy. However, despite the film's strong aesthetic capturing the era with precision, the script lacks the substance to make these visual elements more than just stylish set dressing.

The biggest issue with "The Apprentice" is its reluctance to truly dissect its protagonist. There are moments when the film seems ready to dive into Trump's mind, to explore his insecurities and deeper motivations, but it quickly pulls back, opting instead for easier solutions and punchy one-liners that don't add anything new to what we already know about him. The ending, in particular, suggests a certain resignation-as if Abbasi wants to convince us that Trump is ultimately an inevitable product of a system that rewards greed above all else. That may be true, but it feels like a shallow and unambitious take for a film that sets out to explore the origins of such a complex phenomenon.

Ultimately, "The Apprentice" is a frustrating experience because there are glimpses of a much more interesting and incisive film beneath the surface. It settles for stating that Trump is a monster created by other monsters, without really examining the consequences of that creation or offering a fresh perspective on his figure. In the end, it leaves the impression of a missed opportunity-a film that could have been a sharp analysis of unbridled ambition and the destructive power of influence, but instead becomes just another superficial account of a character who's already been extensively dissected by the media and pop culture.

The Apprentice is a bold and intense portrayal of ambition and power. Sebastian Stan delivers a mesmerizing performance, fully embodying the young Donald Trump without slipping into caricature. His transformation is both unsettling and compelling. Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn is equally phenomenal, bringing a sharp and commanding presence that makes every scene between them electrifying.

The film's direction, pacing, and raw storytelling keep you engaged from start to finish. A must-watch for those who love sharp political dramas and masterful acting. 10/10.

The film not only showcases the rise of a controversial figure but also reflects the ruthless nature of power and ambition. Every frame feels meticulously crafted, making the experience both immersive and thought-provoking.

I enjoyed this film from start to finish. I wasn't excited about it, but I stuck with it and felt like I learned quite a bit about the characters and the city and time that they lived through.

I had to pause a few times to look up if certain things actually happened and admittedly, the film left me wanting to see more.

It probably could have done without the VHS filter to make it old timey but I understand why.

I loved the sets, scenes and clothing and was in awe how they were able to recreate things from the time period.

The portrayal felt on point without being too much of a caricature and I was impressed with how Sebastian's cleft chin barely showed.

I thought the acting in this was brilliant especially Jeremy Strong's and nothing threw me out of the world building; something that I pick up on a lot.

I consider myself politically unbiased about Trump, but The Apprentice (2024) leans heavily into an anti-Trump perspective, which often feels overdone. This approach sacrifices a nuanced exploration of his complex world, making the film feel like it's rushing through key moments rather than diving into the details. The compressed timeline limits the story's impact, and a series format might have better suited the narrative. Jeremy Strong's performance as Michael Cohen is exceptional. While well-produced and visually engaging, the film ultimately misses the depth and complexity of top-tier biopics such as ' The aviator' or 'Steve Jobs'

Wow, I did not expect to like this as much as I did.

Donald Trump, a business man with ambitions and a lot of family backing. The Trump name is under a lawsuit on the grounds of racism, Donald meets a man named Roy Cohn, he is a big time lawyer who has defeated the government and holds a shaky reputation. Roy goes beyond the case as he takes a liking to Donald and shows him the ropes of how to be the best of the best. The rise of Donald Trump is rooted in Roy Cohn.

Seeing a large part of Trumps life like this is really interesting. I'm not 100% on what's fact or fiction or what has been stretched but the movie is very believable.

Seeing Donald pick up Roy's habits and manners is very interesting, the hand gestures and the over use of adjectives is very funny. He took what Roy thought him and turned it to the max.

Playing fast and lose with his families fortune, bending the rules, favours, blackmail, all a very entertaining story, 7/10.

Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong give committed performances in this cinematic portrayal of Donald Trump's early career, from his stepping out of his father's shadow in taking on the ambitious endeavor of rebuilding and reshaping the Commodore Hotel to his early heydays in the 80s when his business empire started to venture into casinos.

Stan does an impressive job of conveying the character arc of Trump where he goes from a confident but self-entitled daddy's boy in the 1970s into a more narcissistic and arrogant tycoon by the end. The film has a glum feel in the 70s that shifts into a sleeker but more demonic aura in the 80s. It's Jeremy Strong who steals the film with a stunningly complex turn as Roy Cohn, the ruthless but psychologically tortured prominent attorney, who takes Trump under his wing in the beginning.

It's a decent overview of Trump's beginnings in adult life and by the end, his words and mannerisms sound a lot more familiar. The later stages of the film offer a glimpse into the grandiose persona who would come to view any kind of power as his due. Recommended to anyone who keeps an open mind.