
The Wizard of the Kremlin
2026
Drama
2h32
Benedicte Martinaud rated ★ 6/10
Trop long, trop de dialogues, un peu documentaire … Alors que l’URSS s’effondre, un jeune homme à l’intelligence redoutable devient le conseiller officieux d’un ancien agent du KGB, promis un pouvoir absolu : le futur tsar Poutine. Jeux de pouvoir et faux-semblants semblants. Manipulation Lien entre la politique et le spectacle Création de cette créature, politique monstrueuse Russie depuis la chute de l’URSS Face à la peur du chaos et un orgueil blessé, les élites du pays vont conduire celui-ci vers l’autoritarisme et le nationalisme, le tout animé par une rancœur virulente contre l’Occident qu’incarne celui que l’on surnomme le star. Il a exilé à Londres puis fait abattre celui qui était venu le chercher pour devenir président.
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.
Community Reviews
Opinions on 'The Wizard of the Kremlin' are mixed, with viewers praising its insightful dive into Russian political machinations and the strong performances, particularly by Paul Dano and Jude Law. However, many found the film overly long and criticized its pacing and dialogue-heavy script. Some appreciated the blend of historical context with fictional narrative, while others felt it was too dense and occasionally hard to follow.
👍 Insightful portrayal of Russian politics.
👎 May feel overly long and dense.




