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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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45% Tomatometer 113 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

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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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. Go to Full Review
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. Go to Full Review
Robert Abele Los Angeles Times 6d
It’s sketched out for cynical skimming rather than deeper psychological consideration. Go to Full Review
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. Go to Full Review
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] Go to Full Review
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. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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WWcher 1d Interesting, but very slow moving and too long. See more Beverly 1d Wow! so impressed with Putins (Russia), cannot wait for a part 2. See more 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. See more Cory H 4d it was OK. It got caught in the weeds See more 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. See more 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! 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