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It is a biographical drama that immerses us in the New York of the 70s and 80s to explore the early years of Donald Trump, before he became the controversial and omnipresent figure in world politics that we know today.
The film chronicles his relationship with Roy Cohn, an unscrupulous lawyer who plays a crucial role in the young businessman's upbringing.
This portrait of an ambitious Trump willing to do anything to achieve success offers us a glimpse into the origins of his ideology and behavior, with powerful performances that propel the story forward.
The film succeeds in vividly recreating the atmosphere of a New York in the throes of transformation, where real estate booms and social tensions intertwine in a complex landscape.
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Ali Abbasi's direction stands out for its ability to transport the viewer to this period, showing us a young Trump, full of ambition and desperately seeking to make his mark in the business world.
The city lights, skyscrapers under construction and business intrigues form the perfect backdrop for the plot, underscoring the contrast between the luxury and chaos that characterize the lives of the protagonists.
One of the greatest achievements of “The Apprentice” is the performance of Sebastian Stan as a young Donald Trump and Jeremy Strong in the role of Roy Cohn, the lawyer with no morals who serves as Trump's mentor.
Stan delivers a surprisingly restrained performance, avoiding falling into the easy caricature of a strident Trump, instead showing a more youthful version, driven by insecurity and overweening ambition.
We see his character being molded under Cohn's influence, and Stan is able to convey Trump's evolution from an eager young businessman to an increasingly calculating and ruthless man.
Jeremy Strong shines as Roy Cohn, who plays a pivotal role in shaping the Trump who will eventually dominate the world of business and politics.
His Cohn is manipulative, cunning and dangerous, and Strong plays him with an intensity that keeps the viewer on edge.
The chemistry between Stan and Strong is palpable, and their scenes together are the emotional core of the film. Through their mentor-disciple relationship, the film explores themes of power, ethics (or lack thereof) and boundless ambition.