Ali Abbasi’s The Apprentice dives deep into the formative years of one of the most polarizing figures in modern American history—Donald Trump. Premiered on Lionsgate Play on October 24, the film examines how a young and ambitious Trump transformed into the man who would later sit in the Oval Office. Starring Sebastian Stan as Trump and Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn, Abbasi’s thought-provoking drama balances biography with cautionary tale, exploring themes of power, mentorship, and moral compromise.
Story
Set in 1970s New York, The Apprentice opens with a young Donald Trump, the overlooked son of real estate tycoon Fred Trump (Martin Donovan). Determined to surpass his father and claim success on his own terms, Donald seeks guidance from notorious lawyer Roy Cohn, played with captivating intensity by Jeremy Strong.
Under Cohn’s mentorship, Trump learns the art of manipulation, self-promotion, and relentless ambition—traits that would come to define his business empire and political persona. The film also explores Trump’s early relationship with Ivana Trump (Maria Bakalova), offering insight into his approach to personal and professional relationships.
While the storyline benefits from the audience’s hindsight of Trump’s eventual rise to global fame, Abbasi’s direction keeps the narrative grounded in its era, showing the gradual erosion of Trump’s moral compass under Cohn’s influence.
Performances
The film’s emotional core lies in its exceptional performances. Sebastian Stan delivers a nuanced portrayal, steering clear of caricature to instead reveal the young Trump’s insecurities and growing arrogance. His performance gradually evolves—from eager novice to ruthless power player—mirroring the transformation that defined Trump’s public image.
Jeremy Strong, best known for Succession, delivers a commanding presence as Cohn. His portrayal of the shrewd, closeted attorney is both chilling and tragic, embodying a man who molds his protégé into the “monster” that later turns on him. The dynamic between Stan and Strong crackles with tension, making their mentor-mentee relationship the film’s emotional and moral center.
Maria Bakalova, though in a limited role, lends warmth and complexity to Ivana Trump, capturing her initial admiration and eventual disillusionment.
Behind the Scenes
Director Ali Abbasi opts for a grainy, documentary-inspired aesthetic, using a 4:3 aspect ratio that immerses viewers in the gritty textures of 1970s Manhattan. Screenwriter Gabriel Sherman layers the narrative with sharp dialogue and subtle foreshadowing of Trump’s future ambitions, including his oft-quoted “rules for winning.”
Abbasi’s visual style, combined with the restrained yet impactful pacing, enhances the film’s authenticity. Instead of dramatizing events for spectacle, The Apprentice focuses on the psychological transformation of its central figures, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped Trump’s worldview.
Final Verdict
The Apprentice is more than a political drama—it’s a fascinating psychological study of mentorship, ambition, and moral decay. While it traces Donald Trump’s beginnings, it also examines the societal and personal compromises that pave the way to power.
Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong deliver Oscar-worthy performances that anchor the film’s intensity and intrigue. Ultimately, it’s the acting and direction, not the controversy, that make The Apprentice a must-watch for fans of biographical dramas.
Overall, The Apprentice is a gripping and thought-provoking portrayal of power and corruption. Don’t miss this one on Lionsgate Play.
