Olivier Assayas’s latest work, “The Kremlin Magician”, arrives in theaters with great expectations due to its heavyweight cast and current political theme. Based on Giuliano da Empoli’s work, the film follows Vadim Baranov, a political strategist inspired by real‑life figures, played by Paul Dano
. The plot attempts to map Vladimir Putin’s rise, but ends up stuck in an overly cold and explanatory approach that distances the viewer from the action.
The narrative unfolds in fragments of Baranov’s life, showing his approach to power and his influence behind the scenes of Russian politics. However, the constant narration and excess detail create a feeling that the film prefers to tell rather than show, reducing emotional impact. When Jude Law appears as Putin, his presence brings energy and prominence, but the brief appearance does not allow a full exploration of the dynamic between him and Dano.
Alicia Vikander and Jeffrey Wright round out the cast, delivering competent performances, but with little room for depth. The choice to keep a certain distance from the characters may be a stylistic decision, but it ends up compromising audience engagement. Assayas’ direction maintains a rigid tone throughout the work, limiting the potential of the most striking scenes. Despite some interesting visual moments, they are not enough to sustain the overall premise.
In summary, “The Kremlin Magician” presents promising ideas and solid performances, but fails to turn this material into a captivating narrative. The film watches the events from afar, when it should bring the viewer closer to the political tension it depicts. Currently playing in theaters, the production receives a rating of two and a half stars.
