“Michelle Obama Doc Sees Massive Spike Amidst ‘Melania’ Backlash”
The recent release of the Melania Trump documentary has sparked renewed interest in Michelle Obama’s film, *Becoming*. Viewership for this Netflix documentary surged dramatically over the weekend, coinciding with the negative reception of Melania’s film. This spike highlights the stark contrast between two first ladies’ cinematic portrayals.
Massive Spike in *Becoming* Viewership
During the weekend surrounding Melania’s documentary launch, *Becoming* experienced a remarkable viewership increase. According to data from Luminate, the documentary garnered approximately 47.5 million viewing minutes from January 30 to February 1. This figure marks a staggering 13,300 percent rise in total minutes viewed compared to the previous weekend.
Streaming Growth Statistics
- Viewing Minutes: 47.5 million
- Percentage Increase: 13,300%
- Total Streams: Over 480,000 streams
For context, *Becoming* was released in 2020 and was typically attracting only a few hundred views on average days in January. In contrast, Melania’s documentary currently holds a dismal 5 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while *Becoming* boasts a favorable 93 percent rating.
Melania Trump’s Documentary: A Financial Disappointment
Amazon invested $75 million in the production and promotion of the Melania Trump documentary. Despite this substantial budget, the film grossed around $7 million at the box office during its opening weekend. Critics lambasted the documentary, with one editor describing it as “an abomination.”
Negative Reception and Publicity Attempts
In an unconventional promotional effort, Melania Trump referenced her documentary at an official White House event while speaking to released hostages from Hamas. She mentioned a poignant moment from the film, stating, “It was very emotional.” However, when questioned about the appropriateness of this promotion, she denied any intention to advertise the film.
Conclusion: The Impact of Public Perception
The contrasting receptions of these two documentaries reflect broader public sentiment. Audiences seem drawn to more authentic portrayals, as seen with *Becoming*, amidst the backlash against Melania’s film. This scenario illustrates how public discourse and content quality influence viewership trends.
