The Wizard of the Kremlin seeks to offer insight into the political world of Russia and, most importantly, the emergence of a new Russian state following the fall of the Soviet Union. Through the story of Vadim Baranov, played by Paul Dano, it explores Vladimir Putin’s rise from KGB spy to Russia’s ruler and the people who helped shape that transformation.

​

While the film offers some insight into this significant period, it never digs as deeply as it could have. Following Baranov from his university days into the corridors of power, the narrative moves chronologically through his life, covering considerable ground without getting far enough beneath the surface.

 

We see the progression of events, but there is less exploration of the people, motivations and decisions behind them than the material deserves.

​

The filmmakers have missed a trick here. There is an opportunity to explore not only the creation of this new Russian state, but also the lives of those who populated it: their ambitions, their compromises and their part in shaping what Russia would become. Instead, the film too often feels content to move on to the next chapter when there is still so much to uncover in the one we have just visited.

​

That said, there are good performances, particularly from Jude Law as Vladimir Putin. Law is a strong presence, and there is also a welcome return from Alicia Vikander. Both bring life to a film that could have used more of it.

​

Paul Dano, on the other hand, delivers his dialogue in quite a monotone manner. You really have to dial into his performance to remain engaged; otherwise, it becomes a little bland. With his character carrying so much of the narrative, that makes it harder for the film to draw you fully into its world.

​

While its material is deep and vast, The Wizard of the Kremlin only scratches the surface, with strong performances from Jude Law and Alicia Vikander lifting a film that could have offered so much more.