The highly anticipated biopic "The Apprentice," which depicts the rise of former President Donald Trump, made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday. The film, directed by Ali Abbasi and written by journalist Gabriel Sherman, received an eight-minute standing ovation from the audience. However, the film's release in the United States faces obstacles as Trump's legal team has sent a cease and desist letter to the filmmakers.

Trump attorney David A. Warrington accuses the filmmakers of defamation and illegal election interference, describing the film as a "concoction of lies." In response, the producers defend the movie, insisting that it presents a "fair and balanced portrait" of the former president. The film chronicles Trump's journey as a real estate mogul in 1970s and '80s New York City, highlighting his mentor Roy Cohn and his first wife Ivana.

Critics have offered differing opinions on the film, with Deadline praising it as a "smart, sharp and surprising origin story," while The Guardian called it a "cartoon version" of Trump's early years. The portrayal of an "explosive" assault scene, depicting a sexual assault on Ivana by Trump, has stirred controversy and sparked debate among audiences and critics alike.

Meanwhile, as the film garnered attention at Cannes, Trump's spokesperson for his 2024 presidential campaign, Steven Cheung, condemned the film as "garbage," accusing it of being fictional and sensationalizing long-debunked lies. Cheung announced Trump's team plan to file a lawsuit against the filmmakers, labeling their assertions as false and asserting that the film represents election interference by Hollywood elites.

On Wednesday, Warrington sent a cease and desist letter to the filmmakers, criticizing the movie's depiction of Trump as a perpetuation of lies. The letter also mentioned past statements made by the filmmakers and cast that were critical of Trump. The filmmakers have until May 27 to respond to the letter.

In response to the legal threats, the filmmakers released a statement asserting that the film provides an unbiased portrayal of the former president and inviting viewers to judge for themselves after watching it. Despite the looming legal battle, director Ali Abbasi remained unfazed, suggesting that Trump's team should watch the movie before proceeding with any lawsuits.

"The Apprentice," named after the reality show hosted and produced by Trump, narrates the early life of the former president, depicting his rise as a real estate developer under the guidance of Roy Cohn. The film delves into Trump's personal life, including his marriage to Ivana, his addiction to pills, and a strained relationship with his father, Fred Trump.

While initial reviews of the film have been mixed, the New York Times describes it as an attempt to explain how Trump became one of the most polarizing figures in politics. The producers emphasize that their intention is to give insight into Trump's psychology and his relationship with the media during his formative years.

Despite the controversies, the film has reportedly generated "intense" interest from buyers at Cannes. Although it does not currently have a U.S. distribution deal, StudioCanal has secured the rights to release the film in the United Kingdom and Ireland later this year. The filmmakers hope to release the movie in mid-September, timed to coincide with the presidential debates.

As the legal battle unfolds, the future of "The Apprentice" in the United States remains uncertain. The film's portrayal of Trump's early years and the controversy surrounding it shed light on the complex relationship between politics, Hollywood, and public perception.