Fez — The documentary “Melania” opened in US theaters in late January with an estimated $7 million in ticket sales during its first weekend, positioning it among the highest-grossing documentary debuts of the past decade.
The film centers on Melania Trump, focusing on her life before, during, and after her time as First Lady of the United States. Through a mix of interviews, archival material, and previously unreleased footage, the documentary traces her background, public role, and personal approach to life in the White House.
Distributed by Amazon MGM Studios, “Melania” received a wide theatrical rollout, opening in more than 1,700 cinemas nationwide. The scale of the release distinguishes it from most contemporary documentaries, which typically receive limited theatrical exposure.
Subject matter and narrative focus
The documentary presents a chronological account of Melania Trump’s journey from her upbringing in Slovenia to her tenure as First Lady, highlighting official engagements, international travel, and her public initiatives while in office.
The film also follows her life after leaving Washington, offering insight into her return to private life and continued public presence.
Directed by Brett Ratner, the film adopts a restrained, observational style, relying primarily on on-camera remarks and visual documentation rather than commentary or narration.
Box office performance
Industry analysts note that the opening weekend figures place “Melania” among the most commercially successful documentary releases in recent years.
Attendance remained steady beyond opening day, particularly in suburban and regional markets, reflecting sustained audience interest.
While documentaries typically depend on long-term distribution beyond theaters, the initial box office performance marks a commercially strong start for the project.
Streaming release ahead
Following its theatrical run, “Melania” is expected to transition to Prime Video, where it will become available to international audiences.
The streaming release is anticipated to extend the film’s reach well beyond cinemas.
