The Wizard of the Kremlin
An aspiring filmmaker becomes the architect of a rising ruler’s political image amid the turbulent birth of post-Soviet Russia.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Dense
- Violence
- Mild
- ominous
- serious
- sleek
- political cinema night
- arthouse film night
What critics said
Critics found the film sleek, intelligent, and watchable, with strong political atmosphere and Jude Law’s performance offset by thin characterization and stodgy pacing.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Vadim moves from filmmaking and television production into advising Putin, using political storytelling to shape public power.
The plot unfolds amid post-Soviet chaos, Yeltsin’s decline, oligarchic influence, and the emergence of capitalist excess.
Critics specifically noted the fast-moving direction, sumptuous mise en scène, and choking tension surrounding Putin.
Vadim becomes the strategist behind a powerful ruler, helping promote and preserve that ruler’s authority.
Films like The Wizard of the Kremlin, and why
The Death of Stalin
political power games, media manipulation, and ominous rise-to-power drama
The Ides of March
contemporary political intrigue, ruthless leadership, and satirical institutional maneuvering
Carlos
European political filmmaking focused on ideology, power, and changing societies
The Lives of Others
ambitious political drama about authoritarian power and the machinery behind a leader
Movie Details
- Director
- Olivier Assayas
- Release Date
- 2026-01-21
- Runtime
- 136 min
- Rating
- 6.5 / 10 (263)
Cast
- Paul Dano
- Jude Law
- Alicia Vikander
- Tom Sturridge
- Will Keen
- Jeffrey Wright
- Andrei Zayats
- Kaspars Kambala
- Andris Keišs
- George Sogis
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Hulu
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Wizard of the Kremlin about?
- An aspiring filmmaker becomes the architect of a rising ruler’s political image amid the turbulent birth of post-Soviet Russia.
- What is The Wizard of the Kremlin like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Wizard of the Kremlin as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as dense.
- Is The Wizard of the Kremlin violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Wizard of the Kremlin as mild.
- What did critics think of The Wizard of the Kremlin?
- Critics found the film sleek, intelligent, and watchable, with strong political atmosphere and Jude Law’s performance offset by thin characterization and stodgy pacing.
- Which films are like The Wizard of the Kremlin?
- Films with a similar feel include The Death of Stalin, The Ides of March, Carlos, and The Lives of Others.
- How long is The Wizard of the Kremlin?
- The Wizard of the Kremlin runs 136 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Wizard of the Kremlin?
- In United States, The Wizard of the Kremlin streams on Hulu.
