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Blackly funny and ballsy, The Apprentice is set in New York during the hedonistic '70s and '80s and follows young, unproven businessman, Donald Trump (Sebastian Stan).

Convinced that Manhattan real estate is the way to step out of his father's shadow, he finds a powerful mentor in Roy Cohn (Succession's Jeremy Strong), a seasoned lawyer and political fixer. Together, the men form a partnership that would shape history.

The film is an exciting depiction of the little-known Faustian deal made between Trump and Cohn, and Abbasi perfectly nails the greedy, twisted underside of the American dream. It's about a young Trump determined to make his mark, and the more experienced Cohn, who sees his potential and knows the channels to realise it. These are two men driven by winning at all costs, who see the Big Apple as theirs to take by any means necessary.

It's propelled by a witty, observant script by Gabriel Sherman – and we're in for a hell of a ride.

New York has often been the stage for sharp tales of business and The Apprentice captures the spark of change for the city. We see the dark arts at play in its journey from crime-ridden and run-down to a gleaming metropolis. As we see Wall Street rise to prominence, the seductive sleaze and relentless aspiration offer an entertaining peek behind the curtain of the consumerist boom of the '80s.

Stan's performance as the future president was described by The Hollywood Reporter as "going beyond impersonation to capture the essence of the man", while Time magazine said, "Strong is terrific at capturing Cohn's deadpan sharpness".

The stars are surrounded by talent both in front of and behind the camera. Abbasi will be known to cinema lovers for his critically lauded 2022 thriller Holy Spider, and for directing the finale of the TV phenomenon, The Last Of Us.

Joining Stan and Strong on screen is Academy Award nominee Maria Bakalova (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm), portraying Trump's influential first wife Ivana, while Martin Donovan (Insomnia, Tenet) plays Fred Trump, a father dismissive of his son's gamble.

As America prepares to go the polls, The Apprentice offers a timely, vibrant chance for curious audiences to experience the origins of power. You may know where his story goes but you'll be surprised and gripped to learn how it begins.  Victoria Luxford

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