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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of The Apprentice (2024). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


The film opens with a gripping flashback to Richard Nixon’s notorious “I am not a crook” address, where he defiantly claimed his openness to investigations into his misdeeds, arguing that his success was purely well-deserved. Fast forward to 1973, we find a young Donald Trump (portrayed by Sebastian Stan) dining at an upscale restaurant in New York City with a stunning date. As he glances around, he identifies various affluent personalities, spotting the ruthless lawyer Roy Cohn, who is recognized for prosecuting the Rosenbergs, a couple caught in the web of espionage during the Cold War. Intrigued by Cohn’s fearsome reputation, Trump is introduced to Cohn’s circle after revealing his lineage as the son of real estate mogul Fred Trump (played by Martin Donovan).

Initially portrayed as an aspiring door-to-door salesman, Trump struggles to find his footing in the competitive world of business. During a family dinner with his parents, Mary Anne Trump (featured by Catherine McNally) and brother Fred Jr. (played by Charlie Carrick), tensions rise as Fred Trump’s business practices face scrutiny for alleged racial discrimination. Freddie, the troubled brother, battles his own demons with addiction, revealing a caring side of Trump that emerges amidst familial chaos.

Life takes a decisive turn when Cohn agrees to tackle Fred’s legal issues at Trump’s behest, introducing him to a trio of ruthless rules for success: “attack, attack, attack,” “never admit any wrongdoing,” and “never admit defeat.” Following this advice, Trump employs intimidation against opponents, and through cunning negotiation, he achieves a victory that sees the lawsuit against Fred dropped, despite overwhelming evidence.

In a twist of fate, Trump meets the beautiful Czech model Ivana Zelnickova (played by Maria Bakalova) while dining at a club. Initially turned off by her rejections, Trump’s persistence pays off, leading to a romantic ride home after orchestrating her entrance into the club. Their relationship blossoms amidst lavish parties, complete with artists like Andy Warhol (portrayed by Bruce Beaton) and shocking encounters, such as stumbling upon a hidden gay orgy hosted by Cohn.

As the years progress, Trump embarks on ambitious ventures, including a transformative plan to convert the Commodore Hotel into a Hyatt. Confronted with family disputes and ethical conflicts, he finds himself at odds with his father. Yet amid the escalating business ambitions, romantic undertones flourish with Ivana, culminating in a proposal accepted against the advice of Cohn, who suggests securing a prenup. Trump dismissively chases after her, pressing her to marry despite the prenup’s implications.

As the decade transitions into the 80s, significant cracks emerge in Trump and Ivana’s marriage, particularly following the birth of their first child, Donald Jr. The strains of parenthood exacerbate their challenges, compounded by Ivana’s growing career in interior design. Trump’s increasingly erratic behavior manifests when he neglects Freddie, whose struggles with alcoholism become dire. During an interview, Trump coldly suggests that America needs strength to prevent disrespect from foreign nations, even joking about a potential presidential run, highlighting a greedy ascent to power.

Tensions escalate when tragedy strikes with Freddie’s death, leading to reflective moments where Trump weeps for his brother beside Ivana. Trump grapples with fidelity issues as he laments the lost romance with Ivana while relaying his frustrations about their crumbling relationship, leading to harrowing moments of abuse. Meanwhile, he faces mounting pressure with his hotel developments and the alarming financial repercussions of his reckless ambitions.

His association with Cohn deepens until the lawyer’s terminal illness casts a pall over their friendship. Trump’s desire to maintain his image prompts him to publicly distort the truth about Cohn’s affliction. In poignant scenes, Trump attempts to reconcile with Cohn, showering him with hollow gifts and pleasantries as he prepares to celebrate Cohn’s birthday—marked by tears and the somber realization of diminishing time.

Post-surgery, Trump returns to the limelight, collaborating with a ghostwriter on his book, “The Art of the Deal,” where he reiterates Cohn’s ruthless rules from earlier. He reflects on his storied success, the winners who share his path, and his aspirations for political power, culminating in a grand vision of the sprawling New York skyline that surrounds him. The narrative, rich with ambition, moral conflict, and personal demons, exposes Trump’s relentless rise centered around manipulating the rules of power and the fragility of relationships that ultimately shape his destiny.

Timeline

Track the key events of The Apprentice (2024) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Nixon's Speech

The film opens with Richard Nixon’s famous 'I am not a crook' speech, showcasing his insistence on remaining innocent amid the Watergate scandal. This sets the tone for a story about ambition, success, and moral ambiguity in American politics.

1973

Meeting Roy Cohn

Young Donald Trump is dining at an upscale restaurant when he spots notorious lawyer Roy Cohn. Cohn, known for his ruthless prosecution of the Rosenbergs, becomes impressed by Trump after learning he is the son of a wealthy real estate magnate.

1973 New York City

Family Dinner

During a dinner with his family, including his father Fred Trump and brother Freddie, tensions rise as Fred faces investigation for racial discrimination. Freddie's struggles with addiction are evident, revealing a complex family dynamic that impacts Trump deeply.

1973

Cohn's Tactics

Roy Cohn takes on Fred's discrimination case after Trump requests his help. Cohn imparts his ruthless rules for success to Trump, which involve intimidation and manipulation to win battles against prosecuting attorneys.

1973

Victory Over the Lawsuit

Thanks to Cohn’s aggressive tactics, the lawsuit against Fred Trump is dropped, despite the overwhelming evidence. This victory marks a turning point for Donald, who begins to embrace Cohn's cutthroat philosophy.

1973

Meeting Ivana

While out for dinner, Trump meets Czech model Ivana Zelnickova and impresses her after helping her and her friends gain entrance to a club. This interaction sparks the beginning of their romantic entanglement.

1973 New York City

Business Aspirations

In an effort to elevate his profile, Trump devises a plan to transform the Commodore Hotel into a Hyatt. This ambition creates friction between him and his father, highlighting his desire to carve out his own identity.

1973 Commodore Hotel, NYC

Proposal to Ivana

As Trump and Ivana grow closer, he surprises her with a marriage proposal during a trip to Aspen. Despite initial hesitations regarding a prenup suggested by Cohn, Trump chooses love over legal protection, leading to their wedding.

1974 Aspen

Birth of Donald Jr.

With the arrival of their first child, Donald Jr., cracks begin to form in Trump and Ivana’s marriage. Ivana starts pursuing her career as an interior designer while Trump becomes increasingly consumed by his success.

Early 1980s

Freddie's Struggles

Trump's estranged brother Freddie visits him, showing the debilitating effects of alcoholism. Trump’s rejection highlights the growing distance he feels from his family amidst his escalating ambitions.

Early 1980s

Death of Freddie

Trump learns of Freddie's death, which profoundly affects him. Following the funeral, he is shown grieving in bed next to Ivana, revealing the vulnerable side of a man obsessed with success.

Early 1980s

Trump's Growing Discontent

Trump confides in Cohn about his disinterest in Ivana, citing her physical changes from cosmetic surgery. This moment reflects his increasing detachment and moral decline as he begins to spiral away from his family.

Early 1980s Hyatt

Descent into Crisis

Facing issues with his hotel project and mounting debts, Trump contemplates his political aspirations. This pivotal moment initiates his public persona while he grapples with personal demons and dissatisfaction at home.

Early 1980s

Cohn's Illness

Trump learns Cohn is terminally ill with AIDS but chooses to publicly misrepresent it for appearances. This confrontation with mortality reveals the complex dynamics of their relationship characterized by loyalty and betrayal.

Mid 1980s

The Legacy of Cohn

After Cohn's passing, Trump seeks to establish his own legacy, enlisting a ghostwriter for his book, 'The Art of the Deal'. He reiterates Cohn's success philosophies, signaling his intent to carry on Cohn's ruthless approach in his pursuits.

Mid 1980s

Characters

Meet the characters that bring The Apprentice (2024) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Donald Trump (Sebastian Stan)

A young and ambitious man, Donald Trump is portrayed as both charismatic and ruthless in his pursuit of success and power. His relationships, particularly with his lawyer Roy Cohn and his wife Ivana, become increasingly complicated as he navigates the cutthroat world of real estate and politics.

👔 Ambitious 🤑 Wealthy 💔 Unfaithful

Ivana Trump (Maria Bakalova)

Ivana is depicted as a beautiful Czech model who becomes both a love interest and a victim of Trump's ambition. Initially captivated by Trump's charm, she struggles with his demands and the challenges of their marriage as it deteriorates over time.

💔 Resilient 🌟 Ambitious 👗 Designer

Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong)

Roy Cohn is a powerful and controversial lawyer who becomes a mentor to Trump, teaching him how to fight ruthless battles in business and law. His sinister tactics and unyielding nature exemplify the darker side of ambition and influence in Washington.

⚖️ Ruthless 🌪️ Manipulative 💼 Powerbroker

Setting

Uncover the settings of The Apprentice (2024), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

1970s - 1980s

The movie spans the 1970s through the 1980s, a time marked by significant political and social change in the United States. The Reagan era brought discussions of economic growth and individualism, influencing Trump’s ambitions and ideals as he navigates the complexities of wealth and power.

Location

New York City, Aspen

New York City is a bustling metropolis known for its iconic skyline, diverse culture, and as a global financial center. It serves as the backdrop for Donald Trump's early ambitions and interactions with powerful figures. Aspen is a luxurious ski resort town known for its stunning natural beauty and affluent visitors, where Trump pursues a romantic relationship with Ivana.

🏙️ City ⛷️ Ski Resort

Themes

Explore the core themes of The Apprentice (2024). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💼

Ambition

Ambition drives the narrative as Donald Trump seeks to elevate his status in the competitive world of business. His connections with influential figures like Roy Cohn reveal a relentless pursuit of success, often at the expense of personal relationships and morals.

💔

Relationship Strains

The theme of relationship strains emerges prominently, highlighting Trump's turbulent marriage to Ivana. As he becomes increasingly self-absorbed, their relationship deteriorates, illustrating the personal cost of ambition and success.

⚖️

Ethics and Morality

Ethics and morality are central to the story, particularly through Trump's interactions with Roy Cohn, who teaches him ruthless tactics for success. The film raises questions about the ethical implications of their actions and the impact on those around them.

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