The Wizard of the Kremlin
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 Sentiment
Putin's presidential election victory in 2000
Baranov faces psychological development and moral ambiguity
The film peaks during Putin's election victory then gradually declines through Baranov's moral crisis before recovering slightly in the final act.
The Wizard of the Kremlin receives mixed critical reception, with reviewers praising the ambitious scope and strong performances, particularly Jude Law's chilling Putin, but criticizing the film's superficial treatment of complex material and laborious pacing. The sentiment arc mirrors the protagonist's journey from detached manipulation to moral reckoning, though critics felt the conventional ending weakened the story's original power. While some found it compelling political catnip, others deemed it a boring, exposition-heavy slog that never fully engaged despite its weighty subject matter.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 21
Paul Dano
Vadim Baranov
Jude Law
Vladimir Putin
Alicia Vikander
Ksenia
Tom Sturridge
Dmitri Sidorov
Will Keen
Boris Berezovsky
Jeffrey Wright
Rowland
Andris Keišs
Yevgeny Prigozhin
Magne-Håvard Brekke
Eduard Limonov
Matthew Baunsgard
Larry
Anton Lytvynov
Restaurant patron
Alexander M. Johnson
Secretary
Anastasia Sutter
Putin friend
Dan Cade
Agent Johnson
Tom J. Benedict
Media-Most Executive
Emmanuel Carrère
Varvara Chekhs
Greeter
Kaspars Kambala
Polina Karnicka
Girl at the Club
Sergey Podymin
Restaurant guest / Theater spectator / Lobby bar visitor / Russian Army officer
Andreas Pumilia
Advisor
Crew
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