A much-discussed biographical drama that received two Academy Award nominations earlier this year has found a new streaming platform in the UK. “The Apprentice,” featuring Sebastian Stan in the role of former US President Donald Trump, also garnered three BAFTA nominations and boasts a favorable Rotten Tomatoes score of 83%.
Alongside Stan, known for his work in the Marvel franchise, the film features Jeremy Strong from “Succession” portraying Roy Cohn, alongside a talented ensemble cast including Martin Donovan, Maria Bakalova, Catherine McNally, and Charlie Carrick.
Written by Gabriel Sherman and directed by Ali Abbasi, “The Apprentice” chronicles Trump’s rise as a real estate mogul in New York City during the 1970s and 1980s.
Although the film has received mixed reviews, it currently streams on Netflix in the UK, allowing viewers to explore its controversial portrayal of the former president. Trump himself has criticized the project as “a cheap, defamatory, and politically disgusting hatchet job.”
Critics have shared a variety of perspectives on the film. Empire awarded it four stars, describing it as a “smart, tragic take on just how dark the American Dream can be,” and highlighting the strong performances by Stan and Strong. The Observer echoed this sentiment, also giving it four stars, noting a sense of surprise that it does not delve fully into the extreme aspects of Trump’s story but still reveals a side of the former president he might wish to keep hidden.
The New Statesman called for viewers to reconsider their assumptions about films regarding Trump, stating, “The Apprentice, though, deserves to be seen. It’s genuinely clarifying.” Flick Filosopher emphasized Stan’s compelling portrayal of Trump, calling it “horrifically riveting.”
Conversely, not all reviews have been favorable. iNews rated the film only two stars, describing it as “glossy, grotesque, and intriguing,” suggesting it carries a sense of guilt for engaging with such a narrative. RogerEbert.com added that the film’s conclusion about Trump’s motivations being driven solely by greed and capitalism felt somewhat shallow.
Despite the polarized reviews, the film has performed well with audiences, earning a respectable IMDb score of 7.1/10. The performances of Stan and Strong were notably recognized, with nominations at the Oscars, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes. The film also secured the Best Motion Picture award at the Canadian Screen Awards, further elevating its status.
“The Apprentice” is now available to stream on Netflix in the UK, inviting viewers to explore a complex and contentious chapter in American history through its cinematic lens.