TORONTO — The biopic “The Apprentice” about Donald Trump features the notable New York attorney Roy Cohn, who imparts three key pieces of advice to his eager young mentee: “Attack, attack, attack” is the first rule; “Admit nothing, deny everything” follows next; and “Always claim victory, regardless of the circumstances” is the final command.

Anyone following cable news over the past decade will probably recognize these phrases. Trump gained fame starting from his business dealings, then through his role on NBC’s “The Apprentice,” before ultimately reaching the presidency. The new film explores the rise of the 45th president during the 1970s and ’80s, while also echoing themes from his later political career (the slogan “Make America Great Again” even makes a notable appearance).

The Oscars have their own set of rules, although one of them is unspoken: playing a real person can significantly boost a contender’s chances of being nominated. This places “Apprentice” stars Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong in a favorable position for their impressive portrayals of Trump and Cohn, respectively.

Set to hit theaters on October 11, “The Apprentice” made its debut during a surprise screening at the Toronto International Film Festival on Thursday. The film begins with a young Trump working at his father Fred’s real estate business. Trump aspires to launch a luxury hotel in Manhattan, but initially finds himself collecting rent door to door. His path crosses with Cohn, who assists the Trump family in legal matters and eventually becomes a mentor to the young Donald, who listens intently as Cohn expresses his controversial views on civil rights, the left, and more.

Trump internalizes Cohn’s harsh views — stating that there are only “killers” and “losers” — leading to a successful hotel venture that establishes him as a power player in Manhattan. However, the film also delves into how Trump’s growing arrogance and ruthlessness take their toll. It illustrates personal ethical failures, including infidelity towards his wife Ivana (Maria Bakalova) and a disturbing scene of assault. Ultimately, as Cohn faces health issues due to AIDS, Trump distances himself from his former mentor.

A standout element of “Apprentice” is the transformation of the lead actors, as they adjust their performances and physicality to reflect their characters’ evolution. Stan portrays Trump initially as a socially awkward individual, before moving into the more recognizable mannerisms associated with Trump seen in modern politics. While Strong starts off as a menacing presence, he gradually becomes more empathetic as he confronts his health challenges and the fallout with Trump.

It is somewhat unconventional for a biopic about a presidential candidate, especially one showcased at a film festival, to emerge just weeks before an election. The film is unlikely to influence voters, whether they view Trump as a revered figure or a villain, and Trump’s reaction may be legal rather than celebratory if he perceives any attacks. However, the performances by Stan, Strong, and Bakalova should not be overlooked, as they are compelling. Notably, Stan faces fierce competition for best actor, as he also shines in this month’s “A Different Man.”

One of the standout moments in the film occurs when Trump and a seriously ill Cohn unleash their frustrations at one another, capturing the film’s central themes laced with meta commentary. Cohn criticizes Trump harshly, leading to a profound exchange where he declares Trump a “loser” at heart, revealing the depths of their fraught relationship.

To which Trump retorts, “What can I say, Roy? I learned from the best.”