Between power, secrets, and manipulation, discover who is really pulling the strings.
The Wizard of the Kremlin a film by Olivier Assayas
The Wizard of the Kremlin by Olivier Assayas: a journey into the Russian power
French director Olivier Assayas makes a strong return behind the camera with a gripping political thriller. Adapted from the bestselling novel of the same name by writer Giuliano da Empoli the film explores the inner workings of Russian power through the fictional portrait of a spin doctor as fascinating as he is elusive.
A top-tier international cast
Backed by an international cast, The Wizard of the Kremlin brings together major figures from global cinema:
Paul Dano in the lead role of Vadim Baranov, a Kremlin strategist inspired by the enigmatic Vladislav Surkov,
Jude Law, chilling as Vladimir Putin, Alicia Vikander, Tom Sturridge, and Jeffrey Wright round out this ambitious cast.
A story adapted from a literary success
Published in 2022, the novel The Wizard of the Kremlin has become one of the most notable political books of recent years. Giuliano da Empoli masterfully blends fact and fiction, painting a portrait of an opaque and manipulative power structure.
With this film adaptation, Olivier Assayas rises to the challenge of translating constant tension into images—balancing loyalty, ambition, and paranoia.
An elegant, tightly directed film where every shot questions the mechanics of manipulation.
