"doesn’t aim to be a straightforward biography, but it provides a thought-provoking glimpse into the psyche of America’s former president"

The Apprentice offers a compelling and dramatised exploration of the origins of Donald Trump. Directed by Ali Abbasi, the film delves into Trump’s rise to fame during the 1970s and 80s, centring on his pivotal relationship with Roy Cohn.

Abbasi skilfully blends fact with fictional embellishments, creating a dramatic narrative that both entertains and invites reflection on the character Trump has become. The story unfolds with a dramatic flow, mirroring Trump’s evolving persona.

Sebastian Stan delivers a remarkable performance, clearly having studied the former president’s body language during his ascent as a real estate developer. His mannerisms cleverly reflect Trump’s attempts to emulate Cohn, projecting power and credibility. Like Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong delivers a captivating, yet detestable performance as Roy Cohn. His portrayal is consistently brilliant, perfectly complementing Stan’s work throughout the film.

The film’s title is quintessentially perfect in highlighting how Trump wants to emulate his mentor and lawyer. 

Trump’s journey from insecurity to confidence under Cohn’s mentorship is almost Machiavellian. 

As Trump gains power, Cohn’s status begins to decline, paralleling the deterioration of his health.

In many ways, the film serves as a roadmap to understanding Trump’s motivations and the complexities that shaped him. 

It examines his contradictions and the eloquent lies he tells—so convincing that he sometimes seems to believe them himself.

The fear of being dismissed, as he experienced with his father throughout his life, drives him to prove his critics wrong no matter the cost.

Image takes precedence over substance, and many slogans that Trump still uses today are echoed throughout the film, linking his past to his present.

The Apprentice doesn’t aim to be a straightforward biography, but it provides a thought-provoking glimpse into the psyche of America’s former president. 

With creative liberties enhancing the narrative, the film portrays a man willing to sacrifice everything, including his family, in pursuit of success.