Title: The Apprentice
Year: 2024
Rating: 6.9
Cast: Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong, Maria Bakalova, Martin Donovan, Catherine McNally
Description: The stench of ambition hangs heavy in the air of Ali Abbasi's "The Apprentice," a chilling portrait of a young Donald Trump's formative years, expertly portrayed by Sebastian Stan. This isn't a hagiography; rather, it's a masterclass in psychological drama, exploring the seductive power of mentorship gone terribly wrong. Jeremy Strong, as the infamous Roy Cohn, delivers a performance of chilling charisma, perfectly embodying the ruthlessness that shaped his protégé. The supporting cast, including the always captivating Maria Bakalova, enhances the film's already potent atmosphere. Abbasi’s direction masterfully captures the gritty, morally ambiguous landscape of 1970s New York, mirroring the internal conflict of a man forging his identity through questionable means. "The Apprentice" isn't just a biographical drama; it’s a cautionary tale about the corrosive nature of unchecked ambition and the enduring legacy of questionable alliances, leaving the viewer unsettled long after the credits roll.