“No One’s Going to See It.” The Theater Was Sold Out — My Take on Melania

Despite what’s being reported, I went to see Melania at the 1:40 p.m. showing, the very first showing of the day. Midday. As we drive up to the theater, the parking lot? Full!

We walked in and waited in line, and I couldn’t help but scan the room. I overheard a few of the guys in line say, “I’m just here with my wife.” I laughed to myself. It’s okay to be curious. It’s okay to want to know more.

I already know what the media and the left are going to say about this film. This review isn’t that.

This is my honest take, from first impressions to the ride home discussion with my brother.

The film opens with a sweeping pan over the ocean toward Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s golf course and private residence. It’s visually beautiful. The cinematography throughout the film is honestly stunning.

We then get a long, detailed introduction to the First Lady heading to New York City to finalize inauguration details. Everything from linens and candlelight dinner menus to wardrobe selections.

As an event planner, I loved this part.

The behind-the-scenes planning leading up to the inauguration was fascinating. Watching her work with teams, seeing the coordination, the design decisions, that inspired me. I only wish there had been more of it.

Where I felt the film fell short was in context. I wanted more voiceover from her, more explanation of what she was feeling, what we were watching, what was at stake emotionally. It felt visually rich but narratively light at times.

One of my favorite sections was seeing her interact with the First Lady of France and the Queen of Jordan. Hearing their conversations about raising children in the modern age felt real and relevant.

Watching her connect those discussions to her “Be Best” foundation here in the U.S. showed her in a professional, strategic light. The film did a great job showing how composed and deliberate she can be.

There was a scene where she interviews candidates for positions on her team, and it felt slightly performative. But that’s almost expected in a film like this.

Some of the most powerful parts weren’t the grand events, they were the quiet ones.

Seeing her and President Trump at 2 a.m. in the White House after being awake for 22 hours. Learning about the transition process, how everything in the White House is changed out before a new president enters.
Seeing inside the Blair House in the days leading up.

Those moments felt intimate.

I loved learning about her love for Michael Jackson, singing “Billie Jean” in the car with her driver. Dancing and singing “YMCA” after coming off stage, heading home to the White House. Those small glimpses of her just being human were refreshing.

The segment about the Hamas hostages was deeply touching. Hearing about her mother’s passing. Watching her navigate being both a mother and First Lady.

Those moments had weight.

The filming was beautiful. Truly.

The editing was tight. The music choices were good — but I wish the soundtrack had been louder at key emotional moments. There were scenes where the music could have elevated the impact even more. It felt like a missed opportunity.

My Final Take

Personally?

I loved it.

I would see it again.

The filming was amazing.
The soundtrack was strong.
The references were intentional.
The access felt rare.

But I just wanted more.

More narration.
More emotional depth.
More traditional documentary context.

It felt like we were invited inside — but not fully brought into her internal world.

Still, for what it was — cinematic, composed, visually powerful — it delivered.

And regardless of what people are saying?

That first showing at my theater was sold out.

First Screening at 1:40pm 1/30/26 POV Seat K4