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The Wizard of the Kremlin

Play trailer 2:04 Poster for The Wizard of the Kremlin R May 2026 2h 36m Drama Mystery & Thriller History Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
45% Tomatometer 116 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 May 21
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 May 18
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 May 18
It’s sketched out for cynical skimming rather than deeper psychological consideration. Go to Full Review Maxance Vincent Film Speak 4d
D
At least Assayas had the decency to shave off twenty minutes from this interminable drama so we can get a bit more out of our lives than wasting it on this worthless affair that was never worthy of the world’s most prestigious film festivals… Go to Full Review Sarah Vincent Sarah G Vincent Views 6d
It becomes a cinematic, fictionalized Cliff Notes of Russian history during Baranov’s lifetime and less an insightful character study Go to Full Review Sean P. Means The Movie Cricket 6d
2/4
[Dano's Vadim is] an empty shell of a character, and when Law’s Putin finally shows up 44 minutes into the movie, Dano practically disappears — and I didn’t really miss him. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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WWcher May 24 Interesting, but very slow moving and too long. See more Beverly May 23 Wow! so impressed with Putins (Russia), cannot wait for a part 2. See more Kathy P May 21 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 May 21 it was OK. It got caught in the weeds See more Rochelle May 21 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 May 20 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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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: Exclusive Movie Clip - The Wizard The Wizard of the Kremlin: Exclusive Movie Clip - The Wizard 0:50 View more videos
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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 (Graphic Nudity|A Grisly Image|Language|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