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

45%

Tomatometer

113 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.

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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David Sims

The Atlantic

3d

Jude Law plays Putin in an extraordinary performance; wearing a near-permanent grimace and barely ever raising his voice, he’s a nonetheless transfixing screen presence.

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John Powers

NPR

6d

Despite all its flaws, the movie's worth seeing just for Law's portrayal of Putin, which isn't merely juicy but revelatory.

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Robert Abele

Los Angeles Times

6d

It’s sketched out for cynical skimming rather than deeper psychological consideration.

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George and Josh Bate

Battle Royale With Cheese

5h

6.5/10

Filmmaker Olivier Assayas creates a thought-provoking and relevant film, anchored by a stellar turn from Jude Law and undermined only by Dano’s unusual deadpan performance and overly slow pacing.

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Leandro Ariel Porcelli

Cinéfilo Serial

3d

6/10

Can't translate an interesting novel into more than just a kind of interesting TV movie. Oscillates between intriguing moments, a distracting Putin by Jude Law and a barely functional leading character by Dano. [Full review in Spanish]

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Michael Medved

The Michael Medved Show

5d

3/4

An unfailingly absorbing, handsome, and complex production that takes you inside a brutal regime that feels like another world.

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WWcher

1d

Interesting, but very slow moving and too long.

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Beverly

1d

Wow! so impressed with Putins (Russia), cannot wait for a part 2.

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Kathy P

3d

I liked. It was a little draw out. I wish the details of Russia history was more detailed. I am in infancy with history. But it was a good movie to begin learning.

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Cory H

4d

it was OK. It got caught in the weeds

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Rochelle

4d

Slow, ponderous, Jude Law played Jude Law. Didnt learn anything new about recent Russian past or current regime - nothing insightful there. Might have been more interesting if they took a few more risks with portrayal and plot - quite sanitized and steered clear of certain facts.

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Olga S

5d

I loved the movie. Actors and especially make-up artists deserve high cinematic awards - fantastic job. I understand that the film would seem a bit overstretched and boring to those who are not acquainted with Russia's context and personalities. But for those in the theme / interested it's just an amazing match with reality. The logical and highly realistic end just adds value. Paul Dano and Jude Law have both done outstanding job having created the most appalling characters - bravo!

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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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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