With the 2024 U.S. election just around the corner, The Apprentice couldn’t have arrived at a more pivotal moment. For many of us, Donald Trump first entered our lives through reality TV or his presidency, but this film delves into the gritty world of 1970s and 80s New York real estate to explore how Trump became the force we know today. And let’s just say—if you’re curious about the man behind the persona, this stylish biopic will pull you in, thanks in large part to two electrifying performances from Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong.
Sebastian Stan transforms into Trump
Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of Donald Trump is nothing short of transformative, marking a career-defining role for the actor best known for playing Bucky Barnes in the MCU. From the moment Stan steps into Trump’s shoes, you can see his gradual evolution from an ambitious young real estate mogul to the bombastic figure we know today. What’s remarkable is the subtlety with which Stan begins his transformation. He captures Trump’s early charm and business savvy, but there’s a slow build as the confidence grows into the brashness that would later define his public persona. You can feel Trump’s hunger for success in every scene, and Stan walks that fine line between ambition and ruthlessness with precision. It’s a portrayal that never veers into caricature, instead offering a layered, humanizing look at a man on the rise.
As the film progresses, Stan’s transformation deepens, particularly in the later acts where Trump starts to resemble the persona we’re familiar with today. He perfectly mimics Trump’s physicality—his mannerisms, speech patterns, even the way he carries himself—bringing a sense of authenticity to the role that makes you forget you’re watching an actor. By the time the film reaches its conclusion, Stan has fully inhabited Trump, reflecting not just his outward appearance, but the inner workings of a man shaped by power, ego, and ambition. It’s a performance that anchors the entire film, turning what could have been a straightforward biopic into a riveting character study.
Jeremy Strong and Maria Bakalova steal the show
Jeremy Strong, who many (myself included) know and love from Succession, steps into the shoes of Roy Cohn, Trump’s ruthless mentor, with a performance that’s equally captivating. Strong is known for his intensity, and as Cohn, he brings a chilling, almost hypnotic energy to the role. Cohn’s influence on Trump is unmistakable, and their interactions crackle with tension.
The mentor-protégé dynamic is one of the film’s highlights, offering glimpses of how Trump’s strategies were shaped by Cohn’s cutthroat approach to power. Strong plays Cohn with the kind of manipulative charm that makes you understand how Trump might have absorbed his tactics—but you’re left wishing the film explored this relationship even further.
Maria Bakalova, who shot to fame with her scene-stealing role in Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, once again proves her versatility as Ivana Trump. Bakalova brings both charm and intelligence to the role, portraying Ivana as more than just a glamorous socialite. She manages to capture the complexity of Ivana’s influence on Trump’s early life, showing her as a sharp, savvy businesswoman who was instrumental in helping build the Trump empire.
Her on-screen chemistry with Stan feels natural, and though her role is more limited compared to the other leads, Bakalova makes every scene count. She balances Ivana’s elegance with a quiet strength, showing the personal sacrifices she made and the ambition she shared with Donald. Bakalova’s performance leaves a lasting impression, and while we only get glimpses of her story, it’s clear that Ivana’s presence was a key factor in Trump’s rise during the 80s. It’s a testament to Bakalova’s talent that she can stand out in a film packed with such intense performances, making you wish there was more time to explore Ivana’s side of the story.
A Visual Feast of 70s and 80s New York
The Apprentice isn’t just about performances—it’s also a visual triumph, perfectly capturing the gritty allure of 1970s and 80s New York. The film brings the city to life with a mix of grit and glamour, showcasing everything from its neon-lit streets to the shadowy corridors of Trump’s real estate deals. The retro VHS-style presentation adds an extra layer of authenticity, making it feel as though you’re watching the story unfold in real time. Every frame feels meticulously crafted to mirror the tension and ambition of the era, with the city itself becoming a central character in Trump’s journey to power.
The production design deserves special mention, too. From the boardrooms dripping with opulence to the grimy corners of Manhattan, the set pieces feel immersive and period-accurate. The contrast between wealth and struggle is captured brilliantly, highlighting the high-stakes world that Trump navigates. The cinematography is equally compelling, using moody lighting and sharp contrasts to evoke the ambition and danger lurking behind every deal. It’s a film that not only tells a story but paints it vividly, making the setting feel as integral to Trump’s rise as the characters themselves.
Left wanting more
While The Apprentice excels in many areas, it falls short in fully developing some of the most pivotal relationships in Trump’s early life. One of the film’s biggest missed opportunities is the under-exploration of Trump’s relationship with his father, Fred Trump. Martin Donovan gives a solid performance as Fred, but the film only scratches the surface of their dynamic, leaving viewers wanting more insight into how Trump’s father influenced his early career and ambition. Given how instrumental Fred was in shaping Trump’s path, this part of the story feels like an afterthought, where more depth and screen time could have added significant emotional weight to Trump’s journey. Similarly, while Maria Bakalova’s portrayal of Ivana Trump is strong, her role could have been expanded to better showcase her influence during these formative years.
The pacing also suffers from an imbalance—some aspects of Trump’s rise are given too much screen time, while others are rushed through. For instance, the film spends an extended amount of time focusing on certain deals and power plays, but key personal moments are left underdeveloped. This uneven pacing makes the film feel disjointed at times, leaving viewers with unanswered questions about Trump’s motivations and relationships. The story could have greatly benefited from a longer format, such as a mini-series, which would have allowed for a deeper dive into Trump’s evolution, his interactions with Roy Cohn, and his family dynamics, offering a fuller picture of the man behind the headlines.
The Apprentice is a must-watch before the 2024 election
Despite these minor flaws, The Apprentice comes at an opportune time. With another U.S. election on the horizon, it’s a timely reminder of the forces that shaped one of the most polarizing figures in modern politics. Stan and Strong’s standout performances anchor the film, making it both a fascinating look at Trump’s rise and a reflection on how his early life continues to influence the choices he makes today.
Whether you’re a fan of political dramas or simply intrigued by Trump’s origin story, The Apprentice is a film that grabs your attention—and holds it. With its slick visuals, captivating performances, and undeniable relevance to today’s political landscape, it’s a must-watch as we head toward another election season.
Rating: ★★★★☆
