Melania Trump documentary sets course for disaster

Saturday, January 31, 2026

Have you read the one about the doctor leading a double life as a globally bestselling thriller writer? No? I must confess I also had no idea who Freida McFadden was before the Sydney Sweeney adaptation of her novel The Housemaid hit cinemas last December but now I see her name everywhere – on every bestseller list and must-read round-up. Having started writing just for fun while working as a doctor, McFadden has earned quite the reputation for schlocky twists and rug-pulls – not that it puts off her McMillions of McFans. 

In the world of telly, The Night Manager is coming to what will surely be an explosive end. Keep an eye out on Sunday for Patrick Smith's interview with the show's director and screenwriter about the finale. 

Elsewhere Marvel is back with a new series – if anyone cares? There was a time when a Marvel release warranted fanfare but those days are over, which is a shame given that, according to Louis Chilton, Wonder Man is the best thing the studio has done in years. Also out in cinemas now is the Melania Trump documentary, which looks predictably dismal and ...

See you next time, 

Will Arnett and Laura Dern play a separated couple who journey down roads of self-discovery, in this small, well-intentioned comedy drama, writes Clarisse Loughrey

Don't forget to complete your registration

You haven't completed your registration with The Independent. It's free, quick, and helps support our journalism while tailoring your experience.

Register now to enjoy benefits including access to limited Premium articles, The Independent app, more than 20 newsletters and commenting on independent.co.uk.

Complete your registration today to unlock access.

Meet 96-year-old Frederick Wiseman, the best American filmmaker you've (probably) never heard of

There are few filmmakers around as insightful, prolific, and profound as Frederick Wiseman, writes Louis Chilton. But his documentaries have always been difficult to watch in the UK – until now

Laura Dern and Andra Day

'With Bradley Cooper, we knew we were safe to dive in and share our secrets'

A sequel taking place years after The Handmaid's Tale is coming to Disney+

Join the conversation and follow us

Download our apps:

Please do not reply directly to this email

You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Culture newsletter.

To unsubscribe from The Independent's Culture newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here.

This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345

Read our privacy policy and cookie policy