Watch Trump: An American Dream

Set against the backdrop of the ever-evolving American cultural landscape, Netflix's Trump: An American Dream is a documentary series that seeks to explore the improbable rise to power of the real estate mogul and reality TV star, Donald Trump. The series is structured around key moments in Trump's life, beginning with his family background and early years in Queens, New York. As the viewer begins to acclimatize themselves with the striking character of the young Trump, we see how family values and an early professional role model shaped him into the driven, outspoken and sometimes brash personality that is so well-known today.

From there, the show dives into Trump's rise to prominence in the world of New York real estate, charting his acquisition of some of the city's most famous properties such as the Plaza Hotel and Trump Tower - while also exploring the business practices and tactics employed to achieve these assets.

But despite Trump's savvy business acumen, the show does not shy away from controversy or newfound opposition. Viewers are given a glimpse of conflicts that arose with labor unions, a racially charged housing discrimination lawsuit, and an overall mythology of a man who made both friends and enemies in equal measure.

As the show explores Trump's media savvy, from his pre-presidential interviews with New York gossip icons Rona Barrett and Nikki Haskell to his work as the star of his own reality TV show, viewers begin to gain further insight into the bullish and attention-grabbing persona that Trump actively nurtured to gain a public following.

Throughout the series, we see the emergence of a political message, from Trump's visible frustration in the face of President Obama's rise to power, through to his own electoral campaign. Despite the often cynical image of Trump, and even the Trump family in general, the show does take a somewhat positive view of the president-elect – pointing to insights into his focus on perceived injustices and his ability to channel this disaffection into a network of supporters.

In addition to the exploration of Trump's personal and political life, Trump: An American Dream also takes a broader look at the societal backdrop that laid the groundwork for his electoral victory. The show delves into the tenor of the time, with discussions around the effects of globalization, the rise of political correctness, and the deepening political divide in the United States - factors that all helped to shape the Trump phenomenon.

Throughout the series, we see a man driven by his own ambition focused on achieving his goals, even if it meant crossing legal or ethical lines a time or two. Despite numerous challenges and controversies throughout his career, the documentary shows how Trump's ability to rebound from setbacks and ultimately rise to the position of President of the United States reflects his confidence in his own abilities and strong support from a passionate public who believed in his worldview.

Overall, Trump: An American Dream provides an intriguing portrait of one of the most colorful and controversial figures in American history, and attempts to provide a nuanced view – albeit one lacking in critical perspective – of the forces that contributed to his rise to power.

Trump: An American Dream is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between November 9, 2017 and on Netflix