CANNES, France - The highly anticipated film "The Apprentice," which delves into the origins of former President Donald Trump, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday. Directed by Ali Abbasi, an Iranian Danish filmmaker, the movie offers a scathing portrayal of Trump's rise to power in the 1980s.

Starring Sebastian Stan as Trump and Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn, Trump's defense attorney and mentor, the film explores their complex relationship. Cohn, known for his role as chief counsel during Joseph McCarthy's Senate investigations in the 1950s, is portrayed as a mentor who guides Trump in the ruthless world of New York City politics and business. He even assisted the Trump Organization during a racial discrimination lawsuit brought by the federal government.

Labelled as "inspired by true events," "The Apprentice" presents Trump's association with Cohn as a Faustian bargain that ultimately shapes his career as a businessman and later as a politician. The film captures the transformation of a young and naive real-estate striver into a formidable figure under Cohn's tutelage.

While the film is generating buzz, controversy has surrounded its production. Reports suggest that billionaire Dan Snyder, a former owner of the Washington Commanders and an investor in the film, exerted pressure on the filmmakers to edit its portrayal of Trump. Snyder, who previously donated to Trump's presidential campaign, allegedly sought changes in the movie's content.

Although the political impact of "The Apprentice" remains uncertain, it is likely to be a topic of discussion amidst the ongoing U.S. presidential election. The film, shot in a gritty '80s aesthetic, has not yet secured a release date as it is currently up for sale at the Cannes Film Festival.

"The Apprentice" is set to compete for the prestigious Palme d'Or, the festival's top award. The movie's potential as an awards contender is heightened by its gripping storyline and strong performances. Jeremy Strong, who portrays Roy Cohn, is returning to the New York landscape of money and power following the success of HBO's "Succession."

As the Cannes Film Festival continues, audiences eagerly anticipate the press conference for "The Apprentice" on Tuesday, where the cast and filmmakers will further discuss the making of the film and its themes.