The Apprentice Movie Review: A Bold Portrait of Power, Ambition, and Influence
Introduction
The Apprentice is a striking and provocative biographical drama that delves into the early years of Donald Trump’s career. Directed by Ali Abbasi, the film paints an unflinching picture of ambition, mentorship, and moral compromise in 1970s and 1980s New York. With exceptional performances and a sharp narrative, The Apprentice is more than just a story about Trump — it’s a study of how power is taught, learned, and wielded.
A Riveting Story of Transformation
At its core, The Apprentice explores the mentorship between a young Donald Trump and the infamous lawyer Roy Cohn. Trump, portrayed by Sebastian Stan, is an ambitious young man eager to carve out his place in the world of real estate. His encounter with Cohn, played masterfully by Jeremy Strong, marks the beginning of a transformation that defines his personal and professional identity.
The narrative unfolds as a psychological drama rather than a traditional biopic. It examines how Cohn’s ruthless worldview and strategic manipulation shape Trump’s understanding of success and power. As their relationship deepens, the audience witnesses the erosion of moral boundaries in exchange for influence and dominance. The story is gripping, unsettling, and deeply human, offering a nuanced portrayal of ambition gone unchecked.
Performances That Define the Film
Sebastian Stan delivers a career-defining performance as Donald Trump, balancing confidence, insecurity, and emotional complexity. He avoids caricature and instead embodies a man torn between admiration for his mentor and the desire to surpass him. Stan captures both the charisma and calculation that make Trump such a compelling figure to study.
Jeremy Strong’s portrayal of Roy Cohn is magnetic. His performance radiates intensity — manipulative, brilliant, and chilling. Strong transforms Cohn into more than just a supporting character; he becomes the film’s moral center and dark force, embodying the ideology that drives Trump’s evolution.
Maria Bakalova adds emotional depth as Ivana Trump, portraying the personal cost of living in Trump’s ambitious orbit. Her scenes bring balance to the otherwise male-dominated narrative, offering glimpses into the human consequences of relentless ambition.
Direction and Cinematic Style
Ali Abbasi directs The Apprentice with precision and fearlessness. His vision blends realism with stylized tension, creating a film that feels both intimate and epic. The tone is atmospheric, often mirroring the emotional landscape of its characters — glamorous yet hollow, powerful yet fragile.
Cinematographer Kasper Tuxen captures the opulence of 1980s New York through rich, moody visuals. The contrast between glittering wealth and emotional decay is striking, turning the city into a silent character that mirrors Trump’s rise. The score, subtle but haunting, adds weight to the moral and psychological struggles unfolding on screen.
Themes and Analysis
The Apprentice is not just about Donald Trump — it’s about the nature of power itself. The film examines how ambition can distort values and how influence becomes both a weapon and a weakness. Through the relationship between Trump and Cohn, it explores themes of manipulation, mentorship, loyalty, and corruption.
The film’s strength lies in its refusal to glorify or vilify. Instead, it presents its characters as products of their environment — shaped by greed, survival, and the desire for legacy. It challenges viewers to question how success is defined and at what cost it’s achieved.
Verdict
The Apprentice is a daring and thought-provoking film that succeeds on both cinematic and emotional levels. It’s a psychological portrait of two men whose ambitions intertwine to shape modern American culture. The performances are exceptional, the direction is fearless, and the story resonates long after the credits roll.
While the film may divide audiences due to its controversial subject matter, it undeniably cements itself as one of the most compelling dramas of the year. The Apprentice is not just a story about Donald Trump — it’s a reflection of the systems of power that define us all.
Final Rating: 9/10
A bold, intelligent, and visually stunning film, The Apprentice captures the allure and danger of ambition in a way few movies dare to explore. It’s haunting, powerful, and impossible to ignore.