The Melania Trump Documentary: A Box Office Flop in the UK?
The highly anticipated documentary, Melania, has sparked a media frenzy, but its UK debut left much to be desired. Despite generating buzz, the film failed to make a significant impact on the UK box office, opening at a disappointing No. 29.
Directed by Brett Ratner, the documentary's UK release saw a modest £32,974 in takings from 155 cinemas, a far cry from the reported $75 million (£54.6 million) investment by Amazon. While not a complete disaster, the film's performance fell short of expectations.
But here's where it gets controversial...
UK ticket sales were described as "soft" by Vue's CEO, Tim Richards, and many screenings across the country were sparsely attended. However, some screening rooms, like Vue Islington, were packed with journalists, creating an intriguing contrast.
Amazon's decision to skip previews added to the film's allure, with reporters rushing to catch the first screenings. The Independent's experience at a near-empty Vue Westfield screening in Stratford highlights the film's mixed reception.
And this is the part most people miss...
In the US, Melania exceeded predictions on its opening day, grossing $2.9 million (£2.1 million) from 1,778 cinemas. However, it was ultimately overshadowed by Iron Lung, an independently financed horror film by YouTuber Mark Fischbach. Iron Lung, inspired by the 2022 horror game, has become a surprise hit, making $21 million (£15.3 million) on a $3 million (£2.1 million) budget.
Iron Lung's success in the UK is even more impressive, reaching No. 4 at the box office with takings of £948,731, surpassing the week's big release, Shelter, starring Jason Statham.
The week's top film is Hamnet, an Oscar-nominated drama directed by Chloé Zhao, which has accumulated £14.8 million in total takings.
Melania follows the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump's second inauguration in January 2025, offering a unique glimpse into the First Lady's life. Since its release, reviews have been largely negative, with critics questioning its documentary status.
A Controversial Interpretation?
In a scathing one-star review for The Independent, Nick Hilton wrote, "Melania is a piece of post-modern post-entertainment. It's not a documentary; it's a staged version of reality TV and pure fiction."
What do you think? Is Melania a failed documentary or a unique take on the genre? Join the discussion and share your thoughts in the comments!
