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The Wizard of the Kremlin

Play trailer 2:04 Poster for The Wizard of the Kremlin R Now Playing 2h 36m Drama Mystery & Thriller History Play Trailer Watchlist
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46% Tomatometer 98 Reviews 56% Popcornmeter 100+ Verified Ratings
Russia, early 1990s. Amid post-Soviet chaos, a brilliant young man, Vadim Baranov, charts his path. First an artist, then a reality TV producer, he becomes the spin doctor to a rising KGB agent: Vladimir Putin. At the heart of power, Baranov shapes the new Russia, blurring the boundaries between truth and lies, belief and manipulation. Only the magnetic Ksenia is beyond his control, tempting him away from this dangerous game. Years later, after retreating into silence and shrouded in mystery, Baranov finally opens up, revealing the dark secrets of the regime he helped build.
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The Wizard of the Kremlin

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Critics Consensus

A dryly witty yet overwrought slow burner, The Wizard of the Kremlin can't overcome its thin characters, sluggish pacing, and repetitive storytelling.

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Critics Reviews

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Thelma Adams AARP Movies for Grownups 1d
4/5
This shrewd political-espionage drama further benefits from a classy ensemble, including Alicia Vikander, Tom Sturridge and Jeffrey Wright, 60, and will appeal to lovers of John LeCarré and TV’s Slow Horses. Go to Full Review
Peter Travers The Travers Take 1d
2.5/4
It’s Russian history for dummies, but a never better Jude Law paints a portrait of Putin as a young tyrant that rings thrillingly, scarily true, as does Paul Dano as the dangerous puppeteer who trains him. Go to Full Review
Glenn Kenny RogerEbert.com 2d
3.5/4
Purposefully low-key, delivering its bad news almost offhandedly. Go to Full Review
Erik Childress Movie Madness Podcast 54m
2/4
A story about Putin’s rise to power so blandly and unpassionately told you might think it’s script was run through the redaction wing of the Trump administration. Go to Full Review
Rachel Wagner Rachel's Reviews (YouTube) 21h
It was like seeing propaganda for another country with Hollywood actors. Bland Go to Full Review
John Urbancich JMuvies 22h
2.5/5
Certainly, there are satirical flourishes sparkling throughout but, in short -- which this film definitely is not -- the real wizardry will belong to any viewers willing to commit themselves fully to all of it. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Stephen C 1h A bit long and at times hard to follow. See more Roy J 5h Recommended for people interested in politics. Very Oliver Stone type movie, bu5 first hour is much strong than the repetitive 2nd hour. Still, an interesting movie that demands attention. Scary how current American politics mirrors the rise of Putin. See more Kara 7h Gasp! The locations filmed, especially the coastline and the house with the spiral manicured shrubs! Architecture, artwork in the background, the fireplaces, and the accordion music were absolutely lovely to behold. I was enthralled by many scenes showcasing exquisite beauty. See more Sandra M 9h This Movie was very Long and kinda boring? I fell asleep a few times. Too much Drama. See more Dale 10h i liked that they had the characters using English so that i didn't have to read subtitles the whole movie. See more Tiffany 10h Such a gripping yet fun political drama that shows the theatricality of politics. Im a fan of Assayas other films like Carlos, Irma Vep, and Wasp Network. Watch those too, especially CARLOS! See more Read all reviews
The Wizard of the Kremlin

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The Wizard of the Kremlin

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Movie Info

Synopsis Russia, early 1990s. Amid post-Soviet chaos, a brilliant young man, Vadim Baranov, charts his path. First an artist, then a reality TV producer, he becomes the spin doctor to a rising KGB agent: Vladimir Putin. At the heart of power, Baranov shapes the new Russia, blurring the boundaries between truth and lies, belief and manipulation. Only the magnetic Ksenia is beyond his control, tempting him away from this dangerous game. Years later, after retreating into silence and shrouded in mystery, Baranov finally opens up, revealing the dark secrets of the regime he helped build.
Director
Olivier Assayas
Producer
Olivier Assayas
Screenwriter
Olivier Assayas, Emmanuel Carrère
Distributor
Vertical
Production Co
Gaumont, Curiosa Films, France 2 Cinéma
Rating
R (Language|Graphic Nudity|A Grisly Image|Some Sexual Material|Violence)
Genre
Drama, Mystery & Thriller, History
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 15, 2026, Limited
Runtime
2h 36m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital