The Apprentice (2024), directed by Ali Abbasi, is a biographical drama that explores Donald Trump’s early career in the 1970s and 1980s, focusing on his relationship with ruthless lawyer Roy Cohn. The film stars Sebastian Stan as Trump and Jeremy Strong as Cohn, portraying how the young Trump is mentored in the dark arts of power, media manipulation, and ruthless business tactics. Set against the backdrop of New York City’s real estate world, Trump learns Cohn’s three rules: always attack, never admit fault, and claim victory, even in defeat. As Trump rises to prominence, building Trump Tower and reshaping his public image, his personal life becomes strained — from his fractured relationship with his father and brother to the collapse of his marriage to Ivana (Maria Bakalova). Cohn, battling AIDS, ultimately becomes a symbol of how Trump discards people once they no longer serve him. The film is a sharp exploration of ambition, power, and betrayal.
The Apprentice (2024) is a biographical drama directed by Ali Abbasi, offering a deep dive into the early career of Donald Trump, with a sharp focus on his controversial relationship with lawyer Roy Cohn. The film, written by Gabriel Sherman, stars Sebastian Stan as Trump, Jeremy Strong as Cohn, and Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump. Set in the 1970s and 1980s, the film delves into Trump's journey as a New York real estate mogul, exposing the manipulative power dynamics and morally ambiguous strategies that fueled his rise to prominence.
The film opens in 1973, where a young Trump, frustrated by a federal investigation into his father Fred’s discriminatory housing practices, meets Roy Cohn, a ruthless lawyer known for his unethical tactics. Cohn takes Trump under his wing, teaching him a brutal code: always attack, never admit fault, and claim victory at all costs. Cohn's influence on Trump shapes much of his approach to business and later politics, as he navigates high-stakes real estate deals, including the redevelopment of New York’s Commodore Hotel and the construction of Trump Tower.
As the plot progresses, Trump distances himself from his father’s legacy and carves out his own identity, one marked by extravagant ambition and media manipulation. However, his aggressive pursuit of success comes at a personal cost. His tense relationship with his brother Fred Jr., who succumbs to alcoholism, and the gradual disintegration of his marriage to Ivana (played by Bakalova), highlight the personal sacrifices behind his public persona.
Meanwhile, Cohn, a closeted gay man, battles AIDS but refuses to publicly acknowledge his illness or sexuality, further complicating his relationship with Trump. As Cohn’s health deteriorates, Trump begins to distance himself from his once-powerful mentor, showing the cold pragmatism that drives his decision-making. The film culminates in Cohn’s death, leaving Trump to reflect on his meteoric rise and the legacy of the man who shaped him.
The Apprentice offers a unique, humanistic portrayal of Trump and the people surrounding him. Rather than a simple critique of Trump’s morality, the film attempts to understand the forces that molded his personality. Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of Trump goes beyond mere impersonation, capturing the essence of the man — his insecurities, ambitions, and vulnerabilities. Jeremy Strong’s Roy Cohn is equally compelling, providing a menacing yet fascinating look into one of the most influential figures in Trump’s early career.
The film paints a complex picture of Trump’s psyche, showing how his obsession with winning and power was nurtured by Cohn’s ruthless tutelage. Abbasi’s direction refuses to depict Trump as a caricature, instead offering a nuanced view of his climb to the top, shaped by the cold realities of business, personal loss, and calculated relationships.
Shot primarily in Toronto, The Apprentice employs a visual style that captures the glitz and grit of 1970s and 1980s New York. Kasper Tuxen’s cinematography highlights both the luxury of Trump’s world and the darker, more corrupt undercurrents of his dealings. The film’s minimalist score by Martin Dirkov complements the tension that runs through Trump’s relationships, especially with Cohn, whose mentorship steers Trump through various moral and legal quagmires.
The film also draws from historical records, incorporating real events such as Trump’s contentious dealings with New York politicians and his involvement in the Atlantic City casino business, offering a broader commentary on corporate greed and the American dream. Abbasi’s direction ensures that the film is not just a biopic, but a reflection on the cultural and political forces that propelled Trump to fame.
The Apprentice sparked significant controversy, particularly with Trump’s legal team attempting to block its release. The film's depiction of Trump’s personal and professional life, including sensitive topics such as his strained marriage and use of questionable business practices, led to legal battles, with Trump labeling the film as a "defamatory" hit job. Despite the pushback, Briarcliff Entertainment secured U.S. distribution rights, and the film premiered in theaters on October 11, 2024.
At its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, The Apprentice competed for the Palme d’Or and received largely positive reviews, with particular praise for Stan’s portrayal of Trump and Strong’s menacing take on Roy Cohn. Critics lauded the film for its bold exploration of power, mentorship, and the cost of success in America.
David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter hailed the film as "an absorbing character study," while The Times’ Kevin Maher praised it as "a Donald Trump movie you never knew you needed." However, not all reviews were glowing. The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw found it lacking in depth, calling it "a cartoonish take on a complex figure."
The Apprentice stands out as a film that goes beyond simple political commentary, offering a layered exploration of the origins of Donald Trump’s philosophy. With masterful performances by Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong, the film takes an intimate look at one of the most polarizing figures in modern history, revealing the personal relationships and moral compromises that shaped his rise to power. While controversial, The Apprentice is a compelling reflection on ambition, power, and the cost of winning at all costs.
If you're eager to watch The Apprentice (2024), the gripping biopic about Donald Trump's rise in New York's real estate world, you're in luck. The film is available for streaming and theatrical viewing. In the United States, it is distributed by Briarcliff Entertainment and can be found on popular streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play for rental or purchase. International viewers can catch the film through StudioCanal in the UK and Ireland, while Nordisk Film handles distribution in Denmark.
The film is also available in select theaters in major cities across North America, Europe, and Australia. For those who prefer streaming, availability may vary depending on region, so be sure to check local streaming services or platforms like Hulu and Netflix as release windows expand.
1. What is The Apprentice (2024) about?
The Apprentice is a biographical drama that explores Donald Trump's early career as a real estate mogul in 1970s-80s New York and his relationship with controversial lawyer Roy Cohn.
2. Who plays Donald Trump in The Apprentice?
Sebastian Stan portrays Donald Trump in the film.
3. Who directed The Apprentice (2024)?
The film is directed by Ali Abbasi, known for his unique cinematic style.
4. Is The Apprentice based on real events?
Yes, the film is based on real events from Donald Trump's life, particularly his early real estate ventures and relationship with Roy Cohn.
5. When was The Apprentice released?
It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2024, and had a wider release on October 11, 2024.
6. Can I stream The Apprentice online?
Yes, the film is available for streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play, depending on your region.
7. Why was the release of The Apprentice controversial?
The film faced legal threats from Donald Trump's legal team and encountered difficulty securing a distributor due to its sensitive portrayal of Trump.
8. Who else stars in The Apprentice?
The cast includes Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn, Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump, and Martin Donovan as Fred Trump Sr.
9. Was The Apprentice nominated for any awards?
The film competed for the Palme d'Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and garnered attention for its performances and controversial subject matter.
10. Is The Apprentice historically accurate?
While The Apprentice is rooted in real events, like most biopics, it includes dramatic interpretations of certain moments for cinematic effect.