The Wizard of the Kremlin: A Look Inside Putin’s Rise to Power

Olivier Assayas’s new political thriller, The Wizard of the Kremlin, offers a compelling, if unconventional, portrayal of Vladimir Putin’s ascent to power in post-Soviet Russia. Premiering at the Venice Film Festival in August 2025, the film distinguishes itself by focusing not on Putin himself, but on the strategists and power brokers who shaped his image and solidified his control. Starring Jude Law as Putin and Paul Dano as the fictional Vadim Baranov, inspired by Vladislav Surkov, the film explores the complex dynamics of power, manipulation, and the birth of modern Russia.

A Different Kind of Putin Portrait

Unlike typical biopics that focus on the dramatic life of a leader, The Wizard of the Kremlin presents a surprisingly mild-mannered Putin, a departure from Jude Law’s previous portrayals of forceful historical figures like Henry VIII. Law’s Putin is characterized by quiet charisma, punctuated by moments of aggression and vulnerability, revealing a leader consumed by ambition and a particular vision of Russia. This nuanced approach, according to Law, was intentional, aiming for a thoughtful exploration rather than sensationalism. Source

The Architect Behind the Throne: Vadim Baranov

The film centers on Vadim Baranov (Paul Dano), a character loosely based on Vladislav Surkov, a key advisor to Putin for several years. Baranov’s journey from a young artist and television executive to a powerful figure within the Kremlin provides a unique lens through which to examine the political landscape of the 1990s. The narrative, adapted from Giuliano da Empoli’s 2022 novel, mirrors the structure of works like Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall, focusing on the strategist rather than the ruler. Source

Setting the Stage: Russia in the 1990s

The Wizard of the Kremlin is set against the backdrop of a Russia undergoing radical transformation. The collapse of the Soviet Union ushered in an era of deregulation, artistic freedom, and the rise of a new entrepreneurial class – many of whom would grow oligarchs. The film captures this turbulent period, exploring how Baranov leveraged the changing media landscape to shape public opinion and pave the way for Putin’s rise. Source

Themes of Manipulation and Power

The film delves into the banality of power and the methods used to manipulate public opinion. It doesn’t offer a revealing look at the present-day Russia, but rather analyzes the principles that underpin contemporary Russian politics. The narrative highlights the isolation of the elite and their awareness of the consequences of their actions. The dialogues, though somewhat contrived, are intellectually stimulating, showcasing a clash of ideologies and a cynical view of human nature. Source

Cast and Release Information

Alongside Jude Law and Paul Dano, The Wizard of the Kremlin features a strong ensemble cast including Alicia Vikander, Tom Sturridge, Will Keen, and Jeffrey Wright. The film premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 31, 2025, and was nominated for the Golden Lion. It is scheduled for release in France on January 21, 2026. Source

A Complex and Ambiguous Narrative

The Wizard of the Kremlin is a film that demands repeated viewings. Its complexity lies in its ambiguity, leaving many questions unanswered about the motivations and inner worlds of its characters. The film doesn’t attempt to provide easy answers, instead offering a thought-provoking exploration of power, manipulation, and the forces that shaped modern Russia. It is a stimulating and remarkable work that challenges viewers to consider the subtle and often unsettling dynamics at play behind the scenes of political power.