A film Donald Trump desperately tried to bury is now captivating audiences on Netflix. “The Apprentice” isn’t a caricature; it’s a chillingly precise portrait of a man’s ascent, a journey into the origins of a figure who would redefine American politics.
The story unfolds in the vibrant, ruthless world of 1970s and 80s New York City, charting Trump’s rise through the cutthroat landscape of real estate. Sebastian Stan delivers a transformative performance, embodying the ambition and simmering intensity of the future president.
But this isn’t simply a biography. At its core, the film explores the complex and deeply unsettling relationship between Trump and his mentor, Roy Cohn, portrayed with unsettling brilliance by Jeremy Strong. Cohn, a notorious lawyer, instilled a win-at-all-costs mentality, a disregard for truth that would become a defining characteristic of Trump’s career.
The film sparked an eight-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival, yet its path to the screen was fraught with obstacles. Trump’s legal team launched a fierce campaign to suppress it, labeling it a “hatchet job” and attempting to block its release. The timing, just weeks before a crucial election, only fueled accusations of political motivation.
Despite the attempts to silence it, “The Apprentice” garnered significant critical acclaim, earning nominations for prestigious awards including Oscars, Golden Globes, and Baftas. Critics hailed its nuanced portrayal, its refusal to rely on easy satire, and its unsettlingly accurate depiction of a man on the rise.
The film doesn’t shy away from difficult truths, including controversial scenes that delve into the darker aspects of Trump’s personal life. These moments, while disturbing, are integral to understanding the forces that shaped him.
Sebastian Stan, who underwent a remarkable transformation for the role, revealed he was warned against taking on the part, told he risked alienating audiences. But the challenge, the opportunity to explore the complexities of this controversial figure, proved irresistible. He described the character as “built from rage and years of suppression.”
Jeremy Strong echoed this sentiment, calling the film “mandatory viewing” for anyone concerned about the current state of affairs. He believes it offers crucial insight into the forces driving division and hate, and the power of art to challenge and provoke.
“The Apprentice” isn’t about taking sides; it’s about confronting a difficult truth. It’s a film that demands attention, a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, and now, it’s available to stream.
