Imagine a Hollywood thriller that plunges you into the tumultuous world of post-Soviet Russia, where a creative young filmmaker unexpectedly becomes a key advisor to Vladimir Putin as he climbs to the pinnacle of power amidst chaos and intrigue. That's the gripping premise of The Wizard of the Kremlin, and it's got everyone buzzing—but here's where it gets controversial: how accurate and fair is it to fictionalize one of the most polarizing figures in modern history? Stick around, because this isn't just another biopic; it's a deep dive into real events that shaped a nation, and it might change how you see global politics.
In the latest trailer, exclusively unveiled by Deadline, we get a tantalizing peek at this political drama. The film stars Jude Law stepping into the shoes of Vladimir Putin, portraying his ascent through the complexities of a new Russian era after the Soviet Union's collapse. To put it simply for beginners, think of post-Soviet Russia as a wild period of transition—like switching from one game to another mid-match—where old rules crumbled, economies floundered, and power vacuums led to unexpected alliances. The story centers on a young Russian filmmaker who stumbles into becoming Putin's unlikely confidant, navigating scandals, betrayals, and the raw unpredictability of leadership in a reborn superpower.
Joining Jude Law in this star-studded ensemble are Paul Dano, Alicia Vikander, Zach Galifianakis, and Tom Sturridge, each bringing their unique flair to roles that promise to explore the human side of high-stakes geopolitics. For instance, if you've seen Vikander in films like The Danish Girl, you know she excels at complex, emotionally layered characters, which could add a fresh, empathetic twist to the narrative here. The movie is directed by Olivier Assayas, a filmmaker known for his sharp, introspective takes on real-world figures—think of him as a storyteller who blends history with suspense, much like how a journalist dissects a news story to reveal hidden layers. He penned the script alongside Emmanuel Carrère and Giuliano Da Empoli, drawing from real events to craft a tale that's part fiction, part historical echo.
Deadline has the exclusive rights to share the trailer for now, so if you're itching to see for yourself, click over to their site at this link and dive in before it pops up elsewhere.
Our Editor-in-Chief, Chris Bumbray, caught an early screening at the Toronto International Film Festival and shared his candid thoughts in a review. He drew parallels to Assayas's earlier masterpiece, Carlos, which chronicled the rise of a notorious international terrorist. Normally, that's high praise—Carlos in its miniseries format is often hailed as a tour de force for its detailed pacing and immersive storytelling. But here's the part most people miss: The Wizard of the Kremlin feels more like the condensed, theatrical cut of Carlos, which came across as choppy and disjointed. Bumbray noted that the film jumps erratically between the mid-1990s and 2019, making it tricky to follow the timeline—a bit like trying to piece together a puzzle with missing edges. This episodic structure, divided into chapters that sometimes feel randomly slapped together, left him struggling to orient himself in the story's flow.
Interestingly, just like many acclaimed films, The Wizard of the Kremlin earned a standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, with the audience clapping for a full 12 minutes—a testament to its ability to captivate in the moment. Yet, Bumbray's take was far more reserved, slapping it with a 'Below Average' rating. He praised Jude Law's commanding performance as Putin, capturing that blend of charisma and calculation, and gave props to Paul Dano's nuanced portrayal, which likely adds depth to the supporting cast. However, he questioned whether the film would attract crowds to theaters, describing it as chilly and detached, more suited to the intimacy of streaming platforms. Imagine watching a sprawling epic like Game of Thrones on a tiny screen versus a big one—it loses some of its grandeur. Bumbray suggested the story might shine better as a prestige limited series, allowing room to linger on pivotal moments, such as the tragic sinking of the Kursk submarine in 2000, which exposed Russia's vulnerabilities, or the 2014 Sochi Olympics that showcased global ambitions, or the 2004 Orange Revolution that challenged Putin's grip on power. Without that breathing space, the movie's 157-minute runtime can feel tedious, rushing through these crucial, real-life events that defined an era.
And this is where things get really thought-provoking: Is it ethical to dramatize living historical figures like Putin in fiction, potentially influencing public perception? Do you think films like this help us understand complex leaders, or do they oversimplify for entertainment? If the theatrical cut felt rushed, should directors lean into longer formats for intricate tales? We'd love to hear your take—agree or disagree in the comments below. Share whether you've seen Carlos and how it compares, or if you'd watch this on streaming versus in a cinema. What's your stance on blending fact with fiction in political dramas?
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Favorite Movies: Classic 80s and 90s action flicks, Bruce Lee epics, Jackie Chan adventures, Die Hard, the Back to the Future series, Jurassic Park, Rocky IV, Speed, and the Terminator duology—plus plenty more!
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