
The Apprentice
dir. Ali Abbasi
70
8 sourcesSynopsis
A young Donald Trump, eager to make his name as a hungry scion of a wealthy family in 1970s New York, comes under the spell of Roy Cohn, the cutthroat attorney who would help create the Donald Trump we know today. Cohn sees in Trump the perfect protégé—someone with raw ambition, a hunger for success, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to win.
Critics consensus
Instead of cross-examining its subject, The Apprentice gives Sebastian Stan the chance to shine in a simplistic yet entertaining foray into the world of a young Trump.
Audience consensus
Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong's performances resonate in The Apprentice, a well-crafted character study on one of the most polarizing men in America.
What resonated with audiences
'The Apprentice' delves into Donald Trump's early career under Roy Cohn, emphasizing ambition, power, and corruption. The performances, especially Sebastian Stan as Trump and Jeremy Strong as Cohn, are lauded for capturing character nuances. However, some critics argue the narrative lacks depth and coherence, often feeling scattered. While the film is seen as informative and engaging, it is criticized for not providing new insights into Trump's character. The visual aesthetics and period recreation are praised, but the script is noted for its simplicity and lack of subtlety. Overall, 'The Apprentice' is a mixed bag with strong performances and themes, yet significant storytelling and character development flaws.

Directed byAli Abbasi
StarringSebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong, Martin Donovan, Maria Bakalova, Catherine McNally, Charlie Carrick
Written byGabriel Sherman
CinematographyKasper Tuxen
EditingOlivia Neergaard-Holm
MusicMartin Dirkov
The Apprentice
2024 · R · 2h 2m
History, Drama
A young Donald Trump, eager to make his name as a hungry scion of a wealthy family in 1970s New York, comes under the spell of Roy Cohn, the cutthroat attorney who would help create the Donald Trump we know today. Cohn sees in Trump the perfect protégé—someone with raw ambition, a hunger for success, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to win.
Our Verdict
70
What resonated with audiences
'The Apprentice' delves into Donald Trump's early career under Roy Cohn, emphasizing ambition, power, and corruption. The performances, especially Sebastian Stan as Trump and Jeremy Strong as Cohn, are lauded for capturing character nuances. However, some critics argue the narrative lacks depth and coherence, often feeling scattered. While the film is seen as informative and engaging, it is criticized for not providing new insights into Trump's character. The visual aesthetics and period recreation are praised, but the script is noted for its simplicity and lack of subtlety. Overall, 'The Apprentice' is a mixed bag with strong performances and themes, yet significant storytelling and character development flaws.
Critics Consensus
Instead of cross-examining its subject, The Apprentice gives Sebastian Stan the chance to shine in a simplistic yet entertaining foray into the world of a young Trump.
Audience Consensus
Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong's performances resonate in The Apprentice, a well-crafted character study on one of the most polarizing men in America.
