(Photo : Pixabay)
Trump

• 'The Apprentice', a biographical drama about Donald Trump's early career, is set for release in October by Briarcliff Entertainment.
• The film, starring Sebastian Stan as Trump, has sparked controversy and a potential lawsuit from the Trump campaign.
• Despite the controversy, the film has received positive reviews and secured distribution in Canada, Europe, and parts of Asia.
• The film's release is expected to fuel debate during a contentious election period in the US.

The biographical drama film 'The Apprentice' is poised to make waves in the US and Canadian theatres this October, just weeks before the presidential election in November. The film, which delves into the early career of Donald Trump, the former US president and the 2024 Republican presidential nominee, has been acquired by Briarcliff Entertainment for a pre-election release on October 11, as well as an awards push.

Briarcliff Entertainment, an indie distributor based in Santa Monica, California, has taken the bold step of acquiring the film, despite the controversy surrounding it. The film is directed by Ali Abbasi and written by Gabriel Sherman, Vanity Fair's longtime Trump chronicler. Emmy nominee Sebastian Stan stars as Trump, bringing to life the former president's career as a real estate businessman in New York in the 1970s and 1980s.

'The Apprentice' premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May, where it immediately stoked controversy. The film's portrayal of Trump's early career has been criticized by the Trump campaign as garbage and pure fiction. Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung vowed to file a lawsuit against the filmmakers in an effort to derail its release.

Controversy and Critical Reception

Despite the controversy, the film has received a largely positive critical reception, currently holding a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film's critical success, however, did not immediately translate into a smooth path to distribution. Following its Cannes debut, 'The Apprentice' secured distribution in Canada, Europe, and parts of Asia, but faced uncertainty in the US. Nervous studios, streamers, and indie distributors hesitated to invite the wrath of Trump and his supporters.

However, after months of negotiations, Briarcliff Entertainment stepped up and grabbed the film's domestic distribution rights. This move by Briarcliff is reminiscent of historical instances where distributors have taken risks to release controversial films, often resulting in significant cultural impact and commercial success.

The film also stars Jeremy Strong as the notorious attorney Roy Cohn, a key mentor for Trump in his early career, and Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump, a significant player in the Trump Organization's business operations. The film's depiction of these figures adds to its controversial nature, as it delves into the complex relationships and power dynamics that shaped Trump's rise to power.

Impact and Anticipation

The film's release comes at a time when the US is deeply divided, and the upcoming presidential election is set to be one of the most contentious in recent history. The release of 'The Apprentice' is likely to add fuel to the fire, as it presents a critical examination of a figure who continues to wield significant influence in American politics.