The box office results are in, and a surprising story is unfolding around a new documentary focusing on the former First Lady. Despite a largely negative reception from film critics, “Melania” surged to a $7 million opening weekend – the strongest debut for a non-musical documentary in over a decade.
This unexpected success isn’t lost on industry observers. One senior writer noted that audience reaction is the true measure of a film’s impact, and in this case, the public has spoken with remarkable clarity.
The film’s Rotten Tomatoes scores paint a stark picture: a 99% audience approval rating stands in sharp contrast to a mere 10% score from critics. This dynamic echoes a similar pattern seen with the 2024 Reagan biopic, which also enjoyed strong audience support despite critical disapproval.
The disconnect highlights a growing divide between critical perspectives and the preferences of moviegoers. Reports from screenings suggest enthusiastic responses, with audible cheers following the film’s conclusion.
Initial industry predictions estimated a $5 million opening, but “Melania” exceeded expectations, signaling a significant appetite for the film’s behind-the-scenes look at the 20 days leading up to Inauguration Day. It’s a remarkable achievement, potentially making it the highest-grossing documentary opening in over ten years.
Demographic data reveals a key component of the film’s audience. The majority of viewers during the opening weekend were women, particularly those over 55, with 72% of Friday’s audience falling into that category and 78% of all viewers being over 55.
The film’s success is particularly noteworthy considering the First Lady’s historically private nature. For a figure who has maintained a low profile throughout her time in the public eye, this documentary offered a rare glimpse into her world, clearly captivating a significant segment of the population.
While “Melania” has made a splash, it still falls short of the all-time record for political documentaries. Michael Moore’s “Fahrenheit 9/11” remains the leader, having opened to $23.9 million in 2004.
