A contentious film charting Donald Trump's ascent to power has been subtly added to Netflix's roster. The US President has vehemently criticised the film, even attempting to block its release.
The Apprentice narrates the tale of the tycoon's rise to power and his ability to outmanoeuvre the system to reach the pinnacle in New York City. A biographical period drama, it shadows the future world leader as he strives to make a name for himself in the Big Apple.
In response to the film's production, the magnate went to great lengths to prevent the movie from ever reaching the public eye. However, now that it has received critical acclaim, film enthusiasts can savour the project for themselves as it joins the streaming platform.
Co-funded by Irish money, the film portrays a determined Trump - embodied by Sebastian Stan - navigating his way around New York in the 1970s, gradually amassing power and influence. Directed by Ali Abassi, the film was a hit with critics and even received a nod at this year's Oscars.
During the era depicted in the film, Trump's father Fred - portrayed by Martin Donovan - is under investigation by the FBI during the peak of the Civil Rights Movement. A domineering and intimidating figure, Fred is lambasted by the federal government for seemingly discriminating against African-American tenants in the properties he owns, reports the Mirror.
The investigation's outcome puts the entire Trump empire on the line, whilst a young Donald continues cultivating relationships with the wealthy elite. After visiting several of the city's exclusive clubs, he encounters Roy Cohn, a notorious lawyer portrayed by Succession star Jeremy Strong.
Cohn agrees to represent the Trumps and help them navigate their legal troubles, whilst simultaneously teaching Donald how to manipulate the system to his advantage, transforming him into a ruthless businessman who eventually becomes America's most powerful figure. However, their initially close relationship deteriorates during the 1980s, particularly following Trump's marriage to his first wife Ivana.
Trump has been amongst the biopic's most outspoken critics, attempting to prevent its release entirely to stop audiences from viewing it. After backing down, he posted a series of aggressive social media messages encouraging people to avoid the film due to its "slanderous" portrayal of his life.
The film presents a distinctly unflattering depiction of the current president, demonstrating what Joe.ie characterised as "a real fearlessness" from Abbasi, Stan and the film's screenwriter, Gabriel Sherman. Throughout the movie, Trump appears to evolve from a young and naive figure into the bold and brash personality that made him such a polarising character.
After the film's delayed release, actress Maria Bakalova expressed her delight that viewers would finally understand the buzz surrounding it. "I always enjoy when people give it a shot, because you accept one thing and then you go watch it, and you end up leaving the theatre with a different thought about it," she shared.
"People watched it, maybe a little bit later than we all wanted it to come out, but it's never too late," she added. She also labelled the project an "international film" due to the vast array of nationalities and contributors involved; including Irish, Canadian, American and Danish producers.