New Biopic ‘The Apprentice’ Explores Young Donald Trump’s Rise to Power Through His Relationship with Roy Cohn

The new biopic ‘The Apprentice,’ directed by Ali Abbasi and written by Gabriel Sherman, delves into the early life of Donald Trump and his pivotal relationship with the influential right-wing lawyer and political fixer Roy Cohn. The film, set in 1970s New York, portrays Trump’s ascent to power through a Faustian deal with Cohn, who becomes a mentor and father figure to the young Trump.

Sebastian Stan stars as Donald Trump, capturing his transformation from a naive and malleable young man to a cold, dark, and narcissistic businessman. Jeremy Strong‘s performance as Roy Cohn is particularly noteworthy, as he brings to life the manipulative and unscrupulous nature of Cohn, who teaches Trump his ‘three rules of life’: attack, deny, and claim victory. These rules are central to the film’s exploration of Trump’s adoption of machiavellian tactics.

The film is also a psychological study, highlighting the ‘dark triad’ of personality traits—machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy—that are evident in Trump’s behavior. Scenes depicting Trump’s grandiose sense of self-importance, lack of empathy, and impulsive decisions are particularly striking. The film suggests that these traits, shaped by Cohn’s mentorship, contribute to Trump’s eventual downfall and his treatment of those around him, including Cohn himself during his final days.

Reviews of the film have been mixed, with some praising the performances of Stan and Strong, while others find the narrative too familiar or lacking in fresh insights. Despite this, the film is seen as a thought-provoking and chilling portrayal of Trump’s rise, offering a nuanced look at the human and psychological factors that shaped his career.

Donald Trump himself has been critical of the film, calling it a ‘politically disgusting hatchet job.’ However, the film’s creators aim to provide a balanced view, humanizing Trump without whitewashing his actions. The film’s message is urgent, highlighting the ongoing impact of Cohn’s influence on American society.