'The Apprentice' review: Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong anchor riveting account of Trump’s ascension

Courtesy of Briarcliff Entertainment

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Releasing at a critical moment in the election cycle, “The Apprentice” has faced the added challenge of legal threats from the Trump campaign. So kudos to Briarcliff, an upstart indie distributor, for taking a risk on this soap operatic exploration of Donald Trump’s rise and his contentious relationship with the notorious fixer, Roy Cohn. Led by Sebastian Stan, who opts for realism over caricature, and featuring a striking performance from Jeremy Strong of “Succession,” the film may not unveil new revelations for audiences (or voters), but it strives to understand—and, at times, sympathize with—Trump in what feels like a balanced portrayal of the former business tycoon turned political figure.

Directed by Ali Abbasi and penned by journalist Gabriel Sherman, the film opens with a disclaimer noting that some events may be dramatized (notably, a scene involving an alleged assault against Trump’s first wife, Ivana, based on her past allegations). However, anyone familiar with Trump’s behavior over the last decade will find little shocking in the ruthless tactics he employed to become one of New York City’s most formidable real estate moguls.

Initially, Trump is depicted as a young man desperate to impress his father, Fred (Martin Donovan). At the outset of “The Apprentice,” he’s on the ropes, facing a Department of Justice investigation into his family's violation of the Fair Housing Act. He finds an unexpected ally in Roy Cohn (Strong, in a transformative performance), who was infamous for his ruthless legal maneuvers, including securing the death penalty for the Rosenbergs and evading multiple indictments. Cohn embodies the success that Trump craves.

Cohn mentors Trump, instilling in him three rules: Attack, attack, attack; admit nothing and deny everything; and always claim victory. These principles resonate disturbingly well with anyone following recent news cycles, serving as the driving force behind Trump’s approach and creating a compelling character study, even when the outcome is predictable. The most unsettling aspect of the narrative is the normalization of such behavior—not only by Trump but also by Cohn. We expect these figures to cheat and scheme, but it’s alarming how desensitized we have become to such tactics.

As with any biopic, audiences are drawn to the performances, and “The Apprentice” delivers in abundance. Stan walks a fine line, capturing the humanity in Trump while avoiding exaggeration. He embodies Trump’s idiosyncrasies—his lip pucker, hand gestures—gradually transforming into the figure we recognize today through makeup and prosthetics. It’s remarkable that Stan, who is a good looking guy, can convincingly inhabit Trump while also imbuing him with unexpected depth.

However, the standout performance belongs to Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn. Following his Emmy win for “Succession,” Strong deserves high praise for injecting a sliver of integrity and empathy into one of history's most cruel figures, creating a complex portrayal that makes the film a morally challenging experience. Like Stan, Strong manages to delve into Cohn’s psyche, evoking a sense of empathy that is both striking and troubling.

Maria Bakalova excels as Ivana Trump, engaging in fierce debates with her husband over her ambitions and identity. Her performance reflects a complex mix of admiration and loathing and it’s also hard to not to see the irony in the actress playing Ivana after she rose to prominence (and got an Oscar nomination) for her onscreen rendezvous with Trump’s former lawyer Rudy Giuliani in the “Borat” sequel.

Abbasi’s direction employs a glossy VHS aesthetic, reminiscent of someone capturing events with a camcorder, which contributes to the film’s unique visual style (or was it the small budget?) This is complemented by the pulsating score from Martin Dirkov, David Holmes, and Brian Irvine. Together, they craft a narrative that underscores how figures like Donald Trump and Roy Cohn can navigate a system rife with loopholes and privilege, ultimately suggesting that the pursuit of the American Dream often comes at a steep moral cost. 

Grade: B+

THE APPRENTICE opens in theaters on Friday, October 11th.