The title “The Apprentice” is intentionally borrowed from the reality TV show that made Donald Trump a household name and helped pave the way for his eventual run for president. In the reality series, Trump was famously known for seeking out a protégé from a pool of 16 contestants, often divided into male and female teams. With weekly eliminations, Trump’s iconic phrase, “You’re fired,” became a pop culture staple as he narrowed down the candidates, displaying his self-perception as the ultimate business mogul.

However, the biopic, “The Apprentice,” takes a deeper dive into Trump’s life, portraying how before he was the one doing the mentoring, he was, in fact, the apprentice himself. The film sheds light on his early years, where he was molded under the guidance of Roy Cohn, the infamous lawyer known for his ruthless legal tactics and influential role in shaping Trump’s worldview. The movie delves into the mentorship that helped shape Trump into the man who would later become a real estate mogul, TV personality, and eventually, the 45th President of the United States.

Sebastian Stan‘s portrayal of Donald Trump in the 1980s is nothing short of transformative. The actor immerses himself into the role, capturing the look, demeanor, and complexity of a young Trump during the height of his rise in New York’s real estate world. Stan’s performance adds depth to a figure often seen through a media lens, providing a nuanced view of Trump’s relationships and ambitions during a formative period of his life.

 

The Apprentice Trailer:

 

 

Adding to the chaos of Trump’s life during the 1980s, we also get a glimpse into his infamous marriage to Ivana Trump. The role of Ivana is played by Maria Bakalova, best known for her performances in Borat Subsequent Movie and Guardians of the Galaxy. Bakalova’s portrayal captures the messy, turbulent marriage that eventually led to one of the most publicized divorces of the decade. Their split, which cost Trump millions of dollars, serves as a critical moment in his personal life, illustrating the high-stakes drama that unfolded behind the scenes of his public persona.

Whether viewed through a political or personal lens, The Apprentice offers audiences a new perspective on Trump’s life, showcasing what some may see as either a supervillain origin story or the making of an antihero. Regardless of your views on Trump, the film provides an intimate look at the people and events that shaped him into the man the world knows today.