Ali Abassi, best known for his genre-defying work on films like Border and Holy Spider, takes on a distinctly different challenge with The Apprentice. Known for exploring the boundaries between the grotesque and the human, Abassi'sfilms tend to focus on outsiders and the uncanny. However, with The Apprentice, he trades in the surreal for the cold reality of American power structures in the late 20th century. Yet, even here, Abassi's skill in crafting morally complex characters shines through, particularly in how he presents the central relationship between Donald Trump and Roy Cohn.

Set against the backdrop of the late 1970s and early 1980s, The Apprentice captures a unique moment in American history. The nation was undergoing significant social and political shifts, and New York City—Trump's playground—was at the epicenter of many of them. Crime was rampant, the economy was uncertain, and the shadow of the AIDS epidemic loomed large. Though not explicitly the focus of the film, the fear and stigma surrounding AIDS, especially within circles of power where Cohn operated, subtly permeate the narrative. Roy Cohn, who ruthlessly wielded influence and navigated the treacherous waters of political circles with ease, initially comes across as someone invincible—untouchable in his domain. He thrived in an environment where fear and secrecy reigned, and he knew how to exploit both. But as the film progresses, we see Cohn gradually transform from a figure of absolute power to one increasingly aware of his own fragility.

Jeremy Strong's portrayal of Cohn masterfully captures this evolution. At first, Cohn appears unshakable, a man who bulldozes through obstacles with unwavering conviction. Yet, over time, Strong reveals cracks in the armor as Cohn's awareness of his own mortality and the precarious nature of his influence begins to surface. The film subtly tracks this shift, showing how the man who once thrived on fear begins to sense it closing in on him, though he continues to fight against any outward signs of weakness. Strong balances this gradual transformation with remarkable skill, making Cohn's journey all the more compelling as the film unfolds.

Sebastian Stan's Trump, on the other hand, is a figure desperate to break free from the shadow of his father, Fred Trump, a real estate mogul known for his dealings in Brooklyn and Queens. The film makes it clear that Donald wanted more—not just to continue the family business but to make a name for himself on his own terms. Stan's portrayal captures Trump's eagerness to step out from his father's shadow, his hunger for success, and the ambition that led him to Manhattan. Abassi shows Trump's family dynamic in glimpses: Fred Trump's taciturn disapproval and the pressure on Donald to prove himself beyond the outer boroughs. These moments of familial tension ground the film's portrayal of Trump, providing context for his desire to conquer New York's real estate market.

This hunger for validation leads Trump to Roy Cohn's doorstep. Cohn, the consummate dealmaker and legal pit bull, takes Trump under his wing and teaches him the ruthless tactics that would come to define his career. The relationship between Trump and Cohn is the heart of The Apprentice, and it's here that the film finds its most compelling moments. Cohn's philosophy—never admit defeat, attack your enemies relentlessly, and bend the rules until they break—becomes the foundation of Trump's ascent.

Jeremy Strong's Cohn is a masterclass in controlled menace. He's a man who can destroy reputations and move mountains with just a few words. Strong captures Cohn's ability to manipulate those around him, whether it be through intimidation or outright coercion. In Trump, he finds a willing student—someone eager to learn the ropes of cutthroat business and power politics. Trump absorbs Cohn's lessons and uses them to forge his own path.

Sebastian Stan's portrayal of Trump is equally remarkable, though in a different vein. Stan's performance never veers into caricature, which is a risk when playing someone as well-known and often parodied as Donald Trump. Instead, Stan embodies Trump's mannerisms—his speech patterns, his posture—without ever feeling like he's doing an impersonation. It's a nuanced performance that captures Trump's ambition, desperation to be taken seriously, and, at times, his vulnerabilities. There are moments in the film where Trump, despite his bravado, even manages to seem sympathetic. Stan manages to find these fleeting moments of humanity, though the film never lets us forget who we're dealing with.

Maria Bakalova brings tremendous depth to a character often relegated to the role of a mere trophy wife. Her portrayal of Ivana Trump is anything but one-dimensional. Though she doesn't get enough screen time, Bakalova makes the most of every scene. I couldn't help but wish the film had progressed far enough in time to allow for a meta-reunion between Rudy Giuliani and Bakalova, a callback to their infamous moment in Borat Subsequent Moviefilm. Alas, that wasn't meant to be, but her presence in the film is undeniably impactful nonetheless.

One of the film's key issues is the lack of clarity around how far forward in time it will progress and what narrative bookends will ultimately encapsulate the story. This uncertainty leaves you wondering what the endpoint will be, and it feels abrupt when the ending does arrive. While the thematic resolution makes sense in hindsight, the journey there sometimes feels aimless. The film covers Trump's early career, stopping just before he collaborates on The Art of the Deal, well before his forays into reality television or politics. The film's endpoint may feel unsatisfying for those expecting a more sweeping account of Trump's life. However, Abbasi seems more interested in the origins of Trump's worldview, specifically the influence of Cohn, than in offering a comprehensive biography.

Ultimately, The Apprentice succeeds more as a character study than as a straightforward biopic. Its focus on the mentor-protégé relationship between Cohn and Trump is fascinating, shedding light on the culture that incubated the Trump we know today. While it may not delve into the scandals one might expect from a film about Trump, it paints a vivid picture of the environment—one of fear, power, and ambition—that shaped his rise.

Though the film's narrative structure may leave some viewers questioning its destination, the incredible performances from Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong make it a must-watch. Strong's Cohn is ruthless and commanding, while Stan's Trump is a masterclass in restraint, capturing the essence of a man constantly striving to prove himself. Together, their dynamic elevates The Apprentice, making it a film worth checking out.

— 3.5 / 5 ⭐