The Apprentice, directed by Ali Abbasi, boldly and interestingly traces the course of the early life of Donald Trump. It mixes the traditional themes of a biopic with dark comedy and offers a Frankenstein-like take on how one of the most discussed figures in America rose to power.

The film takes place in the gritty background of New York City of the 1970s, chronicling Trump’s rise from a struggling real estate developer to a burgeoning icon. The story is enriched with Cohn’s influence, demonstrating how his ruthless and morally questionable tactics shape Trump and his ambitions to the man we see today. Cohn appears more as a father figure to Trump instilling his cutthroat mentality that he deems necessary for success in business.

Sebastian Stan gave a tremendous performance. So good in fact that it nails every angle of Trump without ever falling into parody. Jeremy Strong effortlessly fills in the shoes of Cohn and does a fantastic job. A big win for Succession fans to see him on our screens again. Cohn’s ruthless demeanor with chilling precision, making the character both magnetic yet vile and repulsive. This film becomes a Frankenstein story as we move through; Cohn, a monster grows to see the bigger monster he has created in Trump. This movie doesn’t sugarcoat Trump at all. It dives into the rise of corruption and all the darkness surrounding him. At one point, Trump even jokes about running for president someday, which serves as an eerie reminder of what’s to come.

Blending biopic and thriller sentiment, it’s also a strong cautionary tale against the excesses to which men will go.

Pros: Strong stellar performances

Cons: No new information, who is this film for?