In 1990s Russia, Vadim Baranov (Paul Dano) finds himself part of an effort to enlist a St. Petersburg intelligence officer (Jude Law) for a political job, one that leads this dour man to the presidency in 2000.

The story was loosely based on the relationship between Putin and his former advisor Vladislav Surkov, but the filmmakers turn Dano’s character into an oddly obtuse figure; he lacks credibility.

A lot of history is covered, sometimes in a talky, ineffective way, but Law is worth a look, capturing Putin’s mannerisms.

2026-France-U.S. 156 min. Color. Directed by Olivier Assayas. Screenplay: Olivier Assayas, Emmanuel Carrére. Novel: Giuliano da Empoli. Cast: Paul Dano (Vadim Baranov), Jude Law (Vladimir Putin), Alicia Vikander (Ksenia), Will Keen, Tom Sturridge, Jeffrey Wright.

Trivia: French title: Le mage du Kremlin.