Vladimir Putin is a ruthless leader of the modern era, raising the iron curtain that had been lowered in the early ’90s. Reverting Russia to an isolated country with its European neighbours and Western counterparts. The Wizard of the Kremlin, adapting the novel of the same name, may state that it is a fictional account of actual events, but it feels more like a perfunctory disclaimer; after all, anyone who knows the truth is either dead or will never talk. Director Olivier Assayas attempts to offer answers about the rise of Vladimir Putin, though with mixed results.
We open in 2019 with journalist Rowland (Jeffrey Wright) travelling deep into snowy Russia to interview Vadim Baranov (Paul Dano), known as the Wizard of the Kremlin. The film explores Vadim’s life from the early ’90s through to 2019. We see him begin as a young artist enjoying the newfound freedoms following the fall of the USSR before climbing the ranks of the entertainment world. This rise ultimately leads him to become Vladimir Putin’s (Jude Law) right-hand man, reshaping Russian politics both domestically and internationally.
The film’s biggest weakness is its length; despite running just shy of two hours and twenty minutes, it contains too many peaks and troughs to justify the runtime. We move from Vadim directing an elaborate sci-fi stage production and indulging in perplexing experimental music to the tragic Kursk submarine disaster and the Ukrainian uprisings. At times, the shifts can feel like tonal whiplash, though in a way they reflect the chaotic reality the film seeks to capture. People enjoy the benefits of freedom and the influx of Western culture, yet once in power, they seek to control and manipulate the world around them for their own gain.
Despite this, The Wizard of the Kremlin can be utterly enthralling, offering a fascinating (if speculative) look at Putin’s rise to power. It shows how he was initially chosen because he was deemed a malleable puppet for the media, only to become the puppet master himself, eventually transforming into a mythic-like figure. Baranov utilises his background in performing arts and television to become a director of truth and reality. For Baranov, “truth” becomes whatever they choose to present to the public, not the facts, leading to a reality shaped entirely by their will. It’s a haunting reflection of what we are witnessing today.
The Wizard of the Kremlin addresses truly powerful political themes, but it lacks the necessary punch and bite for such a subject, while its length is a key factor. Select moments that should be horrifying instead feel like the film is merely covering the essential beats. A clear example of this is the annexation of Crimea. Olivier Assayas has directed some incredible films, such as Irma Vep, but certain moments here feel unrefined. And while, as mentioned, some scenes are undeniably enthralling, I walk away feeling I haven’t truly seen the monster behind the leader. Instead, it reaffirms existing narratives about Putin and Russia’s modern political landscape.
One thing that remains consistent is the strength of the performances. Paul Dano, who appears in nearly every scene, is fantastic as Vadim Baranov, delivering a performance that makes it clear how this character becomes the architect of modern Russia, the Wizard of the Kremlin, you might say. Jude Law is also surprisingly profound as Vladimir Putin, nailing the mannerisms and facial expressions. Through his delivery, you can understand why Russians might be drawn to him.
There is a caveat regarding the performances, however: the Russian accents are either inconsistent at best or missing at worst. Personally, it’s a catch 22. I respect the decision to prioritise strong performances without forcing the actors into heavy accents. However, it is distracting to hear Jude Law sound almost exactly as he does in his Uber Eats advert while portraying Putin.
The final moments of The Wizard of the Kremlin should have been nightmarish in their inevitability; instead, they amount to an obvious display of the power Putin now wields. To be honest, that sums up the entire film: it’s obvious. You won’t learn anything about modern history’s most ruthless leader that you couldn’t gather just by watching the news. Nevertheless, The Wizard of the Kremlin remains an absorbing, if flawed, watch.
★★★
Played as part of the 2026 Glasgow Film Festival and In UK Cinemas from April 17 th/ Paul Dano, Jude Law, Jeffrey Wright, Alicia Vikander, Tom Sturridge / Dir: Olivier Assayas / Signature Entertainment
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