The Wizard of the Kremlin

The Wizard of the Kremlin is a 2025 English‑language French political satire that takes you straight into the heart of post‑Soviet Russia. Directed by Olivier Assayas and co‑written with Emmanuel Carrère, the film adapts Giuliano da Empoli’s 2022 novel of the same name. It follows a young artist named Vadim Baranov (Paul Dano) who, amid the chaos of the early 1990s, morphs into a powerful spin‑doctor for a rising KGB agent who will become Vladimir Putin (Jude Law). The story is set against the backdrop of a country in flux, where truth and manipulation blur, and a single charismatic woman—Ksenia (Alicia Vikander)—remains the one thing that keeps Baranov from fully surrendering to the dangerous game of power.

The film’s 156‑minute runtime lets Assayas explore the slow‑burning politics of a nation rebuilding itself. It’s a dryly witty, yet sometimes overwrought, take on the rise of a new Russia, and it’s peppered with a star‑studded cast that includes Will Keen, Tom Sturridge, Jeffrey Wright, and even Zach Galifianakis. The story is anchored by the fictional Vadim Baranov, inspired by real‑life political advisor Vladislav Surkov, and the film’s title hints at the idea of a “wizard” behind the curtain of Kremlin politics.

If you’re a fan of political thrillers, historical dramas, or films that dig into the mechanics of power, you’ll likely find this one intriguing. The film’s premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in August 2025 and its North American release in February 2026 have already sparked conversation. Critics have been mixed: Rotten Tomatoes shows a 52 % approval rating from 44 reviews, while Metacritic gives it a 54/100, citing thin characters, sluggish pacing, and repetitive storytelling. So if you’re someone who enjoys a slow, contemplative pace and can stomach a bit of dryness, you might appreciate the film’s attempt to satirize the rise of a new political order. On the other hand, if you prefer fast‑moving plots or richly developed characters, you might find the film a bit too slow and repetitive.

The Wizard of the Kremlin is a bold, if uneven, look at the early years of the Russian Federation. It’s a film that asks how a nation’s future can be shaped by those who spin the narrative, and it does so with a mix of humor and a hint of melancholy. Whether you’re drawn to the political intrigue or the historical context, the movie offers a unique, if sometimes uneven, perspective on a pivotal era in modern history.