
The Wizard of the Kremlin
6.4/10
Rating
156 min
Runtime
2026
Release Year
Olivier Assayas
Director
Cast
Paul Dano, Jude Law, Alicia Vikander, Tom Sturridge, Will Keen
Quick Synopsis
In Russia during the early 1990s, a time of upheaval following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Vadim Baranov, a talented young man, navigates his changing world. He starts his career as an artist and then moves into producing reality television. Eventually, he becomes the public relations strategist for Vladimir Putin, a former KGB agent rising to power. Working closely within the Kremlin, Baranov influences the formation of the new Russian government, often blurring the lines between truth and deception to shape public perception. Despite his control over many aspects of this political game, he finds himself drawn to Ksenia, a charismatic woman who remains beyond his influence. Years later, after withdrawing from public life and becoming a mysterious figure, Baranov breaks his silence to expose the hidden truths behind the regime he once helped establish.
Detailed Synopsis of 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.



