Ali Abbasi’s “The Apprentice” embarks on a dark and thought-provoking exploration of Donald Trump’s metamorphosis from an ambitious real estate heir into the polarizing figure we now recognize. Rather than simply retelling scandalous headlines or infamous controversies, the film dives deeper, serving as a reflective piece on the ruinous effects of unchecked power and ambition.
Sebastian Stan steps into the challenging role of a youthful Donald Trump, well before the days of presidential campaigns and controversial social media rants. Stan’s portrayal veers away from caricature, encapsulating Trump’s eccentricities — from his exaggerated facial expressions to his distinct mannerisms — with disconcerting precision. Beyond mere mimicry, Stan delves into Trump’s psyche, illustrating a young man simmering with a vague sense of identity yet driven by a ruthless desire to establish himself. This early Trump, portrayed with unsettling vulnerability, is teetering on the brink of becoming a key figure in America’s political chaos.
At the heart of “The Apprentice” is the entrancing yet pernicious relationship between Trump and Roy Cohn, the notorious attorney infamous for his role in the Rosenberg espionage trial. Jeremy Strong delivers a bone-chilling performance as Cohn, suffused with insidious charm and sly cunning. In Cohn, Trump finds not just a mentor but a kindred spirit — someone willing to twist truths, defy ethics, and wield power abusively. Cohn views Trump as morally malleable, making him the perfect protégé for his manipulative intents.
While “The Apprentice” unfolds as a gripping political biopic, Abbasi introduces and delicately nurtures a twisted camaraderie between Trump and Cohn. Their partnership resonates with an almost perverse intimacy, depicted through scenes filled with their conspiratorial whispers and sly scheming. Their unholy alliance exudes a sinister charisma, bringing to life a relationship embalmed by loyalty to moral degradation. The film’s depiction of this partnership hints at a subtle eroticism, not ostentatious yet palpable in their interactions, adding a layer of complexity to their corrupt bond.
The performances of Stan and Strong are the film’s pillars, driving its unsettling charm.
. Strong paints Cohn as the master manipulator, a facade of polished exterior betraying the deep-seated disdain lurking within. His portrayal of Cohn’s ruthless tactics — coaching Trump to be media-savvy or bending the law to their will — evokes a chilling prescience. Stan, in contrast, manages the delicate balance of portraying Trump’s early stumbles with a touch of pathos, swiftly countered by the sharp glint of nascent cruelty, reminding us of the formidable power Trump would soon embody.
Director Abbasi’s cinematic style accentuates the film’s pervasive disquiet, borrowing from his audacious approach seen in “Holy Spider.” The New York of the 1970s is depicted in all its gritty allure, a tension between decay and glamour, serving as an apt metaphor for the characters’ inner corruption. Through Kasper Tuxen’s lens, the city comes alive with steam-filled streets set against the dazzle of Manhattan’s nightlife, mirroring the moral decadence that festers beneath its shimmering veneer.
The screenplay of “The Apprentice” injects humor into its narrative, albeit the kind rooted in grim irony. Moments such as Trump comically agonizing over his appearance or Cohn’s blunt fashion advice on concealing Trump’s “big ass” draw uneasy laughter, underscoring the grotesque journey of a man who is simultaneously being molded and unraveling.
However, the film’s second half stumbles slightly, leaning heavily into sensational moments at the expense of powerful psychological insights crafted earlier. The dramatized depiction of Trump’s alleged sexual assault on Ivana, played by Maria Bakalova, disrupts the film’s tonal maturity, detracting from its intricate exploration of character development.
Yet, “The Apprentice” refuses to end as a mere commercial spectacle of a dubious man’s biography. Instead, Abbasi ventures into the myth-making of Trump, illustrating how his image as an unyielding winner was crafted — even when he erred consistently. It’s the narrative of an unfallen figure, highlighting the tragedy that America bore witness to this rise, powerless or unwilling to intervene. Bolstered by Stan and Strong’s formidable performances, Abbasi crafts a foreboding tale of the American dream distorted into a convoluted nightmare, impactful and unforgettable in its eerie resonance. Originally slated for release today, “The Apprentice” has postponed its premiere in Indian theaters following last night’s uncut, uncensored special screening.
