Movie · Thriller · Drama

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.

2026 · 2h 16m
  • 44%
Director Olivier Assayas

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About

The Wizard of the Kremlin

Thriller

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.

TOMATOMETER
Average 5.7
Reviews 128
Fresh 56
Rotten 72

Information

Studio
Gaumont
Released
2026
Run Time
2 hr 16 min
Rated
Tout public
Content Advisories
Language, Horror, Prejudice
Regions of Origin
France, United States, United Kingdom
© 2025 CURIOSA FILMS - GAUMONT - FRANCE 2 CINÉMA

Languages

Original Audio
English (United Kingdom), English
Audio

English (⁨Dolby 5.1⁩, AAC), French (France) (AD, ⁨Dolby 5.1⁩, AAC)

Subtitles

French (France) (SDH)

Accessibility

Audio descriptions (AD) refer to a narration track describing what is happening on screen to provide context for those who are blind or have low vision.