The Wizard of the Kremlin (2026)

Ebiri calls the film great, finding its sweep through Russian history both revealing and enormously entertaining. He particularly praises Jude Law’s chilling portrayal of Putin through a riveting dismissiveness rather than an imitation of his mannerisms.

The headline presents the film as a fascinating portrait. It singles out Jude Law’s portrayal of Vladimir Putin.

The headline indicates a positive verdict, singling out Jude Law’s performance as Vladimir Putin. The film is described as a dense Venice competition title.

The critic finds the film flawed but essential viewing for understanding the workings of a totalitarian propaganda state. They praise its grasp of those mechanisms, while faulting the English accents and unevenly explanatory screenplay.

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The critic finds the political drama subdued and respectable but too low-key to convey its intended urgency. Archival footage effectively evokes the turmoil beyond the Kremlin, though the film could use more venom and dramatic intensity.

The review finds the film an uneven history lesson and satire, but an affecting portrait of how political power manufactures confusion. It praises the depiction of Baranov funding opposing groups to undermine trust and resistance.

The critic finds the film absurd and self-aware, but says it ultimately fails to land its punch. Jude Law’s mesmerizing, pop-culture-inflected portrayal of Putin is singled out for praise.

The review finds the fictionalised biopic an unilluminating lesson in modern Russian history. It singles out Jude Law’s portrayal of Putin for praise.

Mintzer finds the film an ambitious but overextended chronicle that struggles to turn its history into compelling drama. He praises Jude Law’s restrained, convincing portrayal of Putin, while faulting the muddled characterization and crowded plot.

The critic finds the film leaden, strained, and unable to deliver insight through irony. They single out its drab visuals and repetitive, obvious writing as especially damaging.

The review finds the film an occasionally interesting but overlong account of Putin’s rise, weakened by its framing and structure. It singles out Jude Law’s compelling portrayal of Putin as the film’s most rewarding element.

Ide finds the film flawed overall, despite Jude Law’s compelling portrayal of Putin. She particularly criticizes Paul Dano’s mannered performance, which she says undermines the film’s strengths.

Gleiberman finds the film absorbing but diffuse, with an episodic structure that prevents it from building dramatic force. He praises Jude Law’s commanding, chilling portrayal of Putin and Paul Dano’s sly performance as Baranov.

Abele finds the film a glib, shallow political drama that reduces a complex history to lectures and talking points. He praises Jude Law’s commanding portrayal of Putin, while criticizing Paul Dano’s performance and the film’s lack of nuance.

Bradshaw finds the film laborious and ultimately pointless, despite Jude Law’s chilly impersonation of Putin. He praises Law’s performance but criticizes Paul Dano’s one-note delivery and the film’s droning voiceover.

Brody finds the film politically passive and artistically constrained, offering little meaningful critique of Putinism. He particularly faults its elegant, detached storytelling for taking Vadim’s self-serving account at face value and excluding the people affected by the regime.

Wise finds the political drama engrossing, thoughtful, and sharply insightful. He especially praises Jude Law’s portrayal of Putin and Paul Dano’s mysterious performance as Baranov.

The critic finds the film bold and timely, though its dense, exhausting approach can weigh it down. Paul Dano’s quiet, controlled performance is singled out as the force holding the film together.

The critic finds the drama exhausting, overstuffed, and lifeless. Jude Law’s portrayal of Putin is singled out as the film’s bright spot.

Kermode finds the film rushed and shallow, with its Cold War-thriller approach limiting its potential. She singles out Jude Law’s subtle, compelling performance as Putin for praise.

Concannon finds the film laborious and misjudged, with little insight into its subject. He singles out Jude Law’s steely menace as Putin, while criticizing Paul Dano’s narration and casting.

The headline signals a strongly negative verdict, calling the film a bloated bore. It singles out the drama’s bloat as the main complaint.