Ali Abbasi’s new film, ‘Holy Spider’, offers a glimpse into the rise of Donald Trump in 1970s-80s New York City, as influenced by lawyer Roy Cohn. While the performances by Jeremy Strong and Sebastian Stan are noteworthy, the movie lacks depth and concludes anticlimactically. Despite the inclusion of a controversial scene depicting marital rape, the film ultimately feels unfinished and fails to provide significant new insights into Trump’s presidency.
Ali Abbasi’s English-language debut, ‘Supernova,’ delves into the formative years of Donald Trump, shedding light on the influences and relationships that shaped the controversial figure. The film traces Trump’s early real estate career, his association with the ruthless lawyer Roy Cohn, and the development of his signature tactics and beliefs. Despite being a conventional biopic, ‘Supernova’ offers a compelling portrayal of Trump’s rise to power, aided by strong performances from Sebastian Stan as Trump and Jeremy Strong as Cohn. While the film is likely to spark controversy, it provides a thought-provoking exploration of American exceptionalism and the dark arts of power and deception.
