The Apprentice is a bold and intense biographical drama that delves into Donald Trump’s rise as a real estate mogul in New York during the 1970s and ’80s. Directed by Ali Abbasi and written by Gabriel Sherman, the film stars Sebastian Stan as Trump and Jeremy Strong as his ruthless mentor, Roy Cohn. After years in production limbo, it finally premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and has since become a powerful examination of Trump’s early years.
The story follows Trump’s journey from a somewhat naïve young man born into wealth, to a cold and calculating businessman who learns the dark arts of manipulation, deceit, and power from Cohn. From navigating real estate deals in New York to his family dynamics, the film lays bare his transformation into the domineering figure we recognise today. The narrative carefully unfolds how Trump, who initially seems unsure of his own potential, evolves into a monster—morally compromised and obsessed with his image, wealth, and dominance over others.
Thematically, The Apprentice is striking in its refusal to humanise its subject even in the slightest. It doesn’t provide sympathy for Trump; instead, it shows how he was moulded by figures like Roy Cohn, a lawyer who embodies amorality. Cohn teaches Trump his infamous three rules: always attack, never admit fault, and always claim victory—principles that guide Trump’s rise to power.
Trump’s lack of integrity and scruples is central to the film’s arc, presenting him as a man driven by greed and insecurity. The relationship with his father, Fred Trump (Martin Donovan), looms large throughout the movie, illustrating a dynamic that pushes Trump to prove himself as a successful figure, often in ways that reveal his deep insecurities and immensely fragile ego.
Sebastian Stan delivers a career-defining performance as Trump. Rather than resorting to mere mimicry, Stan inhabits the role with subtlety, capturing the physicality and essence of one of the most recognisable figures in modern history. His portrayal is chilling in how precisely it conveys the gradual erosion of Trump’s moral compass, making his transformation both believable and unsettling. Equally compelling is Strong’s portrayal of Roy Cohn, whose relentless cynicism and manipulative nature are brought to life with terrifying precision.
The Apprentice is an essential piece of cinema that explores the origins of one of the most divisive figures of our time. It doesn’t seek to offer easy answers or redemption, but instead paints a grim picture of a man shaped by power, wealth, and a ruthless mentor. With sharp performances, particularly from Stan, and a narrative that refuses to flinch, the film leaves a lasting impact, making it both thought-provoking and timely.
