The Apprentice (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
The Apprentice (2024), directed by Ali Abbasi, is a fascinating and dark portrayal of the relationship between Donald Trump and his infamous mentor, Roy Cohn. It’s a story that explores the formative years of Trump as he climbs the ranks of New York’s real estate world in the 1970s and 1980s, molded by the cutthroat, morally ambiguous lessons he learns from Cohn. With performances by Sebastian Stan as Trump and Jeremy Strong as Cohn, this film dives deep into the origins of a man who would later become one of the most controversial figures in American politics. Here’s an in-depth review of The Apprentice, along with information on where to watch it online.
Plot Overview
The Apprentice is more than just a biographical drama—it’s a complex narrative that reveals how Trump’s ambition, combined with Cohn’s ruthless teachings, shaped his approach to business and, eventually, politics. The film is set in the 1970s and 80s, with a young Donald Trump eager to step out of the shadow of his domineering father, Fred Trump (played by Martin Donovan). Trump crosses paths with Cohn, a high-powered attorney with a reputation for aggressive legal tactics, having worked closely with Senator Joseph McCarthy during the Red Scare.
The film portrays Cohn as Trump’s mentor, imparting three core rules that govern Trump’s rise: Attack, attack, attack; admit nothing, deny everything; and always claim victory, never admit defeat. These lessons play a significant role in the evolution of Trump’s personality and business tactics, as seen in scenes that explore his infamous battle against a housing discrimination lawsuit in the 1970s.
The Characters and Performances
Sebastian Stan delivers a remarkable performance as Trump, capturing both the swagger and vulnerability of a young man striving for power. As Trump grows into the aggressive mogul the public knows, Stan’s portrayal becomes more complex, showing how deeply Cohn’s teachings took root. Jeremy Strong, meanwhile, shines as Roy Cohn, embodying a man who is as powerful as he is morally bankrupt. Strong’s performance is layered with the emotional toll of Cohn’s AIDS diagnosis, adding depth to a character that could easily have been a one-dimensional villain.
Ivana Trump, played by Maria Bakalova, also makes a memorable appearance. Her relationship with Trump is depicted as turbulent, adding personal stakes to Trump’s business endeavors, and showing how his public and private lives intersect.
Visuals and Direction
Ali Abbasi’s direction is visually striking, particularly in how he uses different filming techniques to reflect the passage of time. The grainy, gritty feel of 1970s New York contrasts sharply with the glitz and excess of the 1980s. This shift in aesthetic mirrors Trump’s own transformation from an ambitious up-and-comer to a brash, unapologetic figure. The pacing is tight, making the two-hour runtime feel concise, and the soundtrack features iconic hits from bands like New Order and the Pet Shop Boys, adding to the film’s immersive atmosphere.
Where to Watch The Apprentice (2024) Online
As of October 2024, The Apprentice is still running in select theaters in the U.S. Given the ongoing theatrical release, the movie is not yet available for streaming. However, based on the patterns of recent film releases, it’s likely that The Apprentice will be available on major streaming platforms by early 2025. Here’s a breakdown of where you can expect to watch the film online once it’s available:
- Streaming Services (Predicted)
- HBO Max: Given the politically charged nature of the film and HBO’s history of picking up hard-hitting dramas, there’s a high chance that The Apprentice could land on HBO Max shortly after its theatrical run.
- Netflix: Another potential platform is Netflix, which has acquired several films with political and social themes over the past few years. Netflix is known for its diverse library, and The Apprentice could be a strong addition to its lineup.
- Amazon Prime Video: Amazon is another strong contender for streaming The Apprentice as they often feature exclusive early access to independent and high-profile films.
- Rental and Purchase Options
- Amazon Prime Video: For those who prefer to rent or purchase digital copies, Amazon Prime Video will likely offer the film for both rental and purchase a few weeks after its theatrical release.
- Google Play Movies & YouTube: Expect The Apprentice to be available for rent or purchase on Google Play Movies and YouTube as well, making it accessible to a broader audience.
- Apple TV (iTunes): Apple TV is another common platform for early digital rentals and purchases, often available simultaneously with other services like Amazon and Google.
Critical Reception
Since its debut at film festivals like Cannes and Telluride, The Apprentice has sparked significant discussion. Some have praised Abbasi’s apolitical approach, focusing on Trump’s rise as a businessman rather than his later political career. This makes the film more of a character study than a political indictment, although it doesn’t shy away from portraying Trump’s moral and ethical shortcomings.
However, the film has also been criticized for humanizing Trump, particularly by those who expected a more critical take on his persona. While it doesn’t glorify his actions, it refrains from condemning them as harshly as some viewers might expect. Abbasi seems content to let the audience draw their own conclusions, an approach that may not sit well with everyone.
Conclusion
The Apprentice is a compelling, thought-provoking film that offers a unique glimpse into Donald Trump’s formative years. With strong performances from its leads, particularly Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn and Sebastian Stan as Trump, the movie succeeds in presenting a nuanced look at how power, ambition, and mentorship can shape an individual’s rise. Though the film may not be for everyone, especially those with strong political opinions, it is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of business, politics, and personal ambition.
While still in theaters, keep an eye out for The Apprentice on streaming platforms in the coming months, likely by early 2025 on services such as HBO Max, Netflix, or Amazon Prime.
