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The Wizard of the Kremlin

Play trailer Poster for The Wizard of the Kremlin 2025 2h 36m Drama Mystery & Thriller History Play Trailer Watchlist
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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.
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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Travis Jeppesen Sight & Sound Sep 26
Olivier Assayas makes the distracting decision to have half the cast speaking in English accents, but his political drama about Vladimir Putin and his spin doctor shows great understanding of the inner workings of a totalitarian propaganda state. Go to Full Review Alexander Mooney Slant Magazine Sep 15
1.5/4
Olivier Assayas’s knack for fostering insight through irony is nowhere to be found in the film. Go to Full Review Nick Schager The Daily Beast Sep 11
A prototypical example of talking, ceaselessly and crudely, at the audience. Go to Full Review James Mottram Radio Times Nov 11
4/5
While the finale veers more towards fiction, it’s an ending that feels apt in this bleak time with the ongoing war in Ukraine. Go to Full Review Doug Jamieson The Jam Report Oct 29
2.5/5
Despite the pedigree of its cast and the boldness of its premise, the film feels like an overlong lecture disguised as cinema. Olivier Assayas crafts a chilly, cerebral portrait of modern power, but it’s a film easier to admire than to endure. Go to Full Review Sarah Marrs Lainey Gossip Oct 9
Wizard of the Kremlin is a mostly entertaining film about a very dense subject centered on a pair of strong performances from Paul Dano and Jude Law. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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Olivier Assayas

Director

Paul Dano

Actor

Jude Law

Actor

Alicia Vikander

Actor

Tom Sturridge

Actor

Jeffrey Wright

Actor
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The Wizard of the Kremlin

The Wizard of the Kremlin (2025) View more photos

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
Production Co
Gaumont, Curiosa Films, France 2 Cinéma
Genre
Drama, Mystery & Thriller, History
Original Language
English
Runtime
2h 36m