The Wizard of the Kremlin

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2:04

The Wizard of the Kremlin

R

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2h 36m

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

History

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Popcornmeter

46%

Tomatometer

98 Reviews

56%

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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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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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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.

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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.

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Glenn Kenny

RogerEbert.com

2d

3.5/4

Purposefully low-key, delivering its bad news almost offhandedly.

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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.

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Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

21h

It was like seeing propaganda for another country with Hollywood actors. Bland

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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.

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Stephen C

1h

A bit long and at times hard to follow.

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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.

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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.

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Sandra M

9h

This Movie was very Long and kinda boring? I fell asleep a few times. Too much Drama.

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Dale

10h

i liked that they had the characters using English so that i didn't have to read subtitles the whole movie.

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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!

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Olivier Assayas

Director

Paul Dano

Actor

Jude Law

Actor

Alicia Vikander

Actor

Tom Sturridge

Actor

Jeffrey Wright

Actor

The Wizard of the Kremlin: Exclusive Movie Clip - The Wizard

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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