In an unexpected turn of events at the Cannes Film Festival, the film "The Apprentice" captivated the audience, earning an impressive eight-minute standing ovation. The movie, which delves into the early years of former President Donald Trump as a real estate developer, took center stage and left a lasting impact on the festival-goers.

Directed by Ali Abbasi, known for his works "Border" and "Holy Spider," "The Apprentice" stars Sebastian Stan as Trump, Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn, and Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump. The movie focuses on Trump's intricate relationship with Cohn, a lawyer and fixer with McCarthy-ite connections who took an interest in Trump before he became a household name.

Written by Gabriel Sherman, a journalist who covered the Trump White House and Fox News, the film's title serves as homage to the popular NBC series that played a significant role in revitalizing Trump's career and public image after facing multiple business setbacks and bankruptcies.

"The Apprentice" offers a blistering portrayal of Trump's journey, showcasing his struggles with a racial discrimination lawsuit filed by the Justice Department against his family's real estate business. The film also depicts controversial scenes, including allegations of rape against Ivana Trump, Trump's abuse of amphetamines for weight loss, and his involvement in deals with underworld figures to ensure the success of Trump Tower. Additionally, Trump's failure to pay bills and a disastrous bet on a Jersey City casino come to light, challenging his acclaimed book, "The Art of the Deal."

While the movie may not sit well with Trump and his supporters, the Cannes audience embraced its explosive nature. However, Jeremy Strong, who plays Cohn, was unable to attend the premiere due to his ongoing Broadway performance in a Tony-nominated revival of "Enemy of the People." To the surprise of everyone present, Strong made a memorable appearance via a shirtless photo displayed on Abbasi's phone during the standing ovation.

Coinciding with Trump's renewed presidential ambitions, "The Apprentice" faces high anticipation from both domestic and international buyers. With polls indicating Trump's lead over President Biden in numerous swing states, the film's release holds immense significance.

As Cannes continues to be a platform for groundbreaking projects, "The Apprentice" stands out as one of the hottest films seeking a domestic distribution deal. Its controversial portrayal of Trump's early years, combined with the stellar performances of the cast and the acclaimed director at the helm, make it a compelling choice for distributors and viewers alike.