The upcoming film The Apprentice, directed by acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Ali Abbasi, is poised to make waves in the cinematic world and beyond. This provocative biographical drama features Sebastian Stan in the role of a young Donald Trump, under the mentorship of the infamous lawyer Roy Cohn, portrayed by Jeremy Strong. Set against the backdrop of 1980s New York City, the film delves into the formative years of Trump’s life, offering a controversial and unvarnished portrayal that has already sparked heated discussions.

Scheduled for a high-stakes release in the United States on October 11, just weeks before a crucial election, The Apprentice is expected to add fuel to the pre-election fervor. The film made its debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where it instantly became a focal point of debate due to its bold narrative and explicit content. Among its most contentious scenes is one depicting Trump assaulting his then-wife Ivana, a role taken on by Maria Bakalova, which has stirred considerable backlash.

Briarcliff Entertainment, a distributor known for handling thought-provoking films such as Liam Neeson’s Memory and Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 11/9, secured the rights to The Apprentice earlier this year. Their strategic plan includes a limited festival circuit run and a robust awards campaign leading up to the film’s wide theatrical release. The timing of the release appears meticulously planned to leverage the politically charged atmosphere of the election season.

Director Ali Abbasi has not shied away from acknowledging the potential for increased attention due to the film’s proximity to the election. He has even humorously remarked on this coincidence, suggesting it could amplify public interest. Critical reception has been polarized: Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian dismissed it as “obtuse and irrelevant,” while Owen Gleiberman of Variety lauded its “sharp and scathing” critique.

The film’s journey to screens has been fraught with legal battles, notably receiving a cease-and-desist letter from Trump’s legal team, who accused it of “malicious defamation.” Financial backing for the project has also seen turbulence; billionaire Dan Snyder, a key supporter, reportedly expressed disappointment with how Trump was depicted.

When queried about Trump’s likely reaction to the film, Abbasi speculated that while Trump might find the portrayal surprising, it would hardly be to his liking. In a provocative move, Abbasi has extended an invitation to Trump for a private screening and discussion of the film.

The Apprentice’s release date is strategically set to maximize its political impact, potentially swaying voter opinions in an already tense election period. This film is part of a broader trend of media projects that scrutinize contentious political figures, highlighting the powerful nexus between entertainment and politics.