From televised cabinet meetings to late night Truth Social posts, US President Donald Trump has rarely stepped out of the spotlight since he resumed office in January.

But more often than not, he's done it without his wife. So where is Melania?

A new documentary co-produced by the first lady herself aims to answer that question. Melania: 20 Days to History promises viewers an intimate glimpse into Melania Trump's life in the days leading up to her husband's January 2025 inauguration.

The film opened in cinemas across the US on Friday amid controversy. It has received significant attention from administration critics and watchdogs, who have criticised the project's funding and dismissed the timing of its release as insensitive as mass protests swell over two fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis.

Politics aside, those seeking answers about how Trump spends her time might find the film unsatisfying - much of it shows her in transit, at public events or drifting between meetings to review fabric samples and dinnerware.

Still, small interactions with her closest friends offer some glimpses at how the famously enigmatic first lady is approaching her husband's second term.

"Everyone wants to know, so here it is," she says in an opening voiceover. Here's what we've learned from watching the film - and what we didn't.

Fleeting off-script moments

Early on, Trump is clear about her intent: "I want to show the American people my journey from private citizen to first lady."

The film touches briefly on the controversy around its creation, in a meta moment that shows Trump's staff fielding an inquiry from a journalist about its commission.

It is a co-production from Trump herself and director Brett Ratner, along with other partners, and distribution by Amazon MGM Studios. The film is Ratner's first project since he was accused of sexual misconduct at the height of the #MeToo movement in 2017. Ratner has denied the allegations.

Much of the film takes place at Trump Tower in New York, at the president's Florida residence at Mar-a-Lago or en route between the two. We see little of either property, just the spaces in which Trump meets her trusted staff of stylists, event planners and interior decorators.

At several points, Ratner intervenes to prod Trump into sharing more about herself. What kind of music does she like? Michael Jackson is her favourite, she reveals during a car ride to the airport - especially "Billie Jean", which plays twice during the film. The pair listen to the song and she briefly sings along.

"Are we doing Carpool Karaoke with Melania?" Ratner excitedly asks.