Melania's Private Life: Amazon Doc to Go Deep
Melania Trump at the International Women of Courage Awards, 2017. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of State. Public domain.
Amazon and Melania Trump are reportedly gearing up to unveil a major cinematic event early next year with the release of the documentary "Melania," set to hit theaters on January 30, 2026, before streaming on Amazon Prime Video. According to the Associated Press, the film promises an "unprecedented behind-the-scenes look" at the first lady, offering viewers a rare glimpse into a figure who has long maintained a private public persona.
The documentary, directed by Brett Ratner, marks a significant return for the filmmaker, who has not helmed a feature since facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct in 2017. Ratner, known for directing the "Rush Hour" series and "Red Dragon," has denied the accusations, but his involvement adds a layer of controversy to the project.
A Day-to-Day Portrait of Power and Transition
Melania Trump herself has described the documentary as a "day-to-day" account of her life during a critical period, as reported by The Guardian. In a January interview on Fox & Friends, she explained that the film captures her responsibilities from the transition team phase to moving into the White House, establishing her office, and making the residence a home. She emphasized the practical aspects of her role, including hiring staff and managing the logistics of the first lady's office.
The film reportedly includes exclusive footage of "critical meetings, private conversations, and never-before-seen environments," as reported by The Guardian, aiming to show the world through Melania's eyes as she navigates the complexities of re-entering public life with her family.
The $40 Million Bet
Amazon's acquisition of the documentary rights reportedly cost $40 million, a staggering sum that underscores the high stakes involved. Jeff Bezos, Amazon's founder and executive chairman, is said to have paid this amount after Melania pitched the project to him and his then-girlfriend Lauren Sanchez during a dinner at Donald Trump's estate. According to The Wall Street Journal, Melania will receive 70% of the payout, highlighting the financial scale of the deal, as reported by The Daily Beast.
This investment comes amid a complex relationship between Bezos and Trump. While the two men were at odds during Trump's first term, particularly over Amazon's business practices and the political coverage of The Washington Post, Bezos has recently taken a more conciliatory tone. Amazon also donated $1 million to Trump's inauguration fund, as reported by the Associated Press. The company streamed the inauguration on Prime Video, a separate in-kind donation worth another $1 million. These moves signal a strategic alignment with the new administration.
Director Brett Ratner's Return
Brett Ratner's involvement is a notable aspect of the documentary's production. Since the sexual misconduct allegations surfaced in 2017, Ratner has kept a low profile in Hollywood. His return with this project raises questions about whether the film represents a reinvention, a reconciliation, or a gamble on reputation.
The director's past includes blockbuster hits, but his career was derailed by the allegations, which he has denied. The documentary is his first feature since those events, and its reception may hinge on how audiences and critics respond to his renewed presence in the industry.
A Docuseries Companion
Alongside the feature film, Amazon reportedly plans to release a three-part docuseries that follows Melania's life as she travels between New York, Washington, D.C., and Palm Beach. This extended look aims to deepen the narrative and provide additional context to the first lady's public and private roles.
The Emotional and Strategic Stakes
For viewers, the documentary offers the emotional pull of seeing a famously private figure open up during a pivotal moment. Melania's memoir, released late last year, was described by The Guardian's Lloyd Green as "a 180-page exercise in buck-passing and blame-dodging."
With Melania acting as a producer, the documentary is positioned as a carefully curated portrayal, potentially designed to influence public perception as her husband begins his second term as president.
Amazon's alignment with Trump-era media through this project also carries risks. Bezos's decision to invest heavily in the documentary and his previous donations to Trump's inauguration fund have drawn scrutiny, especially given the tensions between Amazon and political opponents of Trump in recent years.
What to Expect on January 30
When "Melania" premieres in theaters on January 30, 2026, it will be more than just a documentary release. It will be a spectacle and a strategic move, blending personal revelation with political calculation. The film's exclusive access and high production values promise to draw attention from supporters and critics alike.
Whether the documentary will reshape Melania Trump's public image or deepen existing divides remains to be seen. What is clear is that Amazon and Melania are betting big on this moment, with a $40 million investment and a high-profile director leading the charge.
References: Amazon's $40m Melania Trump doc set for January release with 'exclusive footage' of 'critical meetings' | Documentary films | Amazon Releases First Look at Controversial Melania Trump Documentary | A Melania Trump documentary from director Brett Ratner will be released by Amazon
