Exclusive first look: The Wizard of the Kremlin
The first full international trailer for Oliver Assayas’s drama The Wizard of the Kremlin has arrived, spotlighting Paul Dano and Jude Law in a tense, politically charged narrative. Following an early clip released in August, festival‑season anticipation among cinephiles has shifted toward this Venice‑bound project, which promises a gripping blend of power, media influence, and personal ambition.
Behind the trailer: what to expect
Adapted by Assayas and award‑winning collaborators, The Wizard of the Kremlin centers on a world where information, reputation, and realpolitik intersect. The trailer hints at a layered plot, where characters maneuver through high‑stakes political tensions and media scrutiny, inviting viewers into a world where every decision may alter the balance of power. The performances of Dano and Law anchor the drama, with their on‑screen chemistry suggesting a dynamic core to the story.
Actors at the forefront
Paul Dano’s presence signals a nuanced portrayal of a figure navigating dangerous loyalties and fractured truths, while Jude Law’s character appears to embody a counterpart whose actions push the narrative toward unpredictable outcomes. The casting aligns with Assayas’s sensibilities for intimate, character‑driven storytelling set against a larger geopolitical backdrop.
Festival strategy: Venice as the stage
With Venice as the launching pad, The Wizard of the Kremlin is positioned to capture the attention of international buyers and critics ahead of a wider release. Assayas has a track record of crafting intimate dramas that resonate in festival atmospheres, and the new trailer reinforces expectations of a meticulously paced, dialogue‑driven feature that rewards repeat viewings.
Why this trailer matters
Trailers in today’s market function as both invitation and diagnostic tool — the Wizard of the Kremlin appears to balance intricate political inquiry with character‑driven tension. For fans of Assayas’s previous work and for followers of Dano and Law, the footage promises a high‑caliber collaboration that could translate into strong festival momentum and critical conversation in the months following its premiere.
What to watch for
Key elements to look for in the full trailer include the film’s pacing and tone, the interplay of power dynamics among the leads, and visual language that suggests an authentic, contemporary setting. As more details emerge, audiences will be keen to see how the film handles themes of information control, ethical ambiguity, and the personal costs of public life.
