The weekend box office delivered a few surprises, including the debut of Melania (documentary), a film centered on former first lady Melania Trump. Industry forecasts had predicted a relatively quiet launch, yet the documentary reportedly generated about $7 million in its opening frame — a notable result for a nonfiction release. Analysts also point out that Amazon invested heavily in distribution and promotion, meaning performance is often assessed alongside marketing reach rather than ticket sales alone.
Critical and audience responses have shown a wide spectrum across major review platforms. Published summaries from Rotten Tomatoes describe a sharp contrast between critic reactions and audience feedback, while Metacritic reflects lower averages from both professional reviewers and users. Meanwhile, user scores on IMDb have also drawn attention for being comparatively modest. Because ratings evolve as more viewers weigh in, these early figures represent only a snapshot rather than a final verdict.
Media analysts frequently note that review systems differ in how feedback is collected. Some platforms allow open participation, which can amplify strongly held opinions or coordinated responses. Others rely on verified-ticket methods that connect reviews to confirmed purchases, potentially offering a narrower but more authenticated view of audience sentiment. As a result, online scores should generally be considered one part of a broader conversation that also includes critic analysis, viewer engagement, and cultural interest.
The documentary’s second weekend will likely provide clearer insight into its long-term trajectory. Films in this genre often benefit from early enthusiasm among motivated viewers, while sustained performance typically depends on word of mouth and wider appeal. Regardless of the debate surrounding ratings, the film has already achieved one key outcome — capturing public attention — and its ongoing run will ultimately reveal how that curiosity translates into lasting box-office momentum.