Jude Law Takes on the Role of Vladimir Putin in ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’ – Sneak Peek
Vertical has released Olivier Assayas’ political thriller The Wizard of the Kremlin, which explores the intricate politics of post-Soviet Russia and the ascent of Vladimir Putin. The film, featuring Jude Law as a ruthless KGB agent, opened on 582 screens. Paul Dano portrays Vadim Baranov, a fictional advisor inspired by real-life politician Vladislav Surkov.
Alicia Vikander plays Baranov’s wife, Ksenia, while Tom Sturridge appears as a banker based on former oil magnate Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who faced imprisonment after challenging Putin. Will Keen portrays the late oligarch Boris Berezovsky, who died under mysterious conditions in exile in London. Jeffrey Wright takes on the role of an American journalist in Moscow and serves as the film’s narrator.
Inspired by true events, the film LifeHack follows Kyle and his crew of digital vigilantes who target scammers and steal from those they consider deserving of their fate. Their latest operation against a notorious crypto billionaire leads them into a high-stakes world where ramifications extend beyond the online realm. Produced by Screenlife Liverpool, known for narratives set entirely on digital devices, LifeHack features Georgie Farmer, Yasmin Finney, Roman Hayeck-Green, James Scholz, and Jessica Reynolds.
Gkids has debuted the darkly comedic Spanish animated film Decorado by Albert Vazquez, which expands on the director’s earlier short film. Released on approximately 100 screens, including the IFC Center in New York City, the film centers on Arnold, an unemployed mouse in the city of Anywhere, who suspects his existence is merely a pre-scripted performance. Following the mysterious death of his best friend, he uncovers a significant corporate conspiracy. The film premiered at Fantastic Fest and Sitges, winning the Goya Award for Best Animated Film.
Utopia’s Circle Collective has brought the dark comedy Forge to the Landmark Nuart in Los Angeles for a weeklong run, with additional screenings at the Quad in New York beginning May 22. Directed by Jing Ai Ng, this Miami-set art crime caper features Andie Ju and Brandon Soo Hoo as siblings running an art forgery ring. Their fortunes take a turn when they encounter disgraced millionaire Holden Beaumont, played by Edmund Donovan, who encourages them to replicate long-lost masterpieces while under investigation by FBI Art Crimes agent Emily Lee, portrayed by Kelly Marie Tran. The siblings’ lives converge with dire consequences at their dim sum restaurant.
Outsider Pictures is set to distribute Ferzan Ozpetek’s hit film Diamonds, which garnered success in Italy in 2025. The film will be shown at three venues: the Angelika in New York City, Coral Gables in Miami, and North Park in Buffalo, NY, with additional screenings in Los Angeles beginning May 22. The story features a film director bringing together 18 notable actresses for a reading of a script set in the 1970s, against the backdrop of a prestigious Roman atelier where costume orders intertwine the lives of the workers and iconic figures.
Katie Aselton’s romantic drama Magic Hour will open at the IFC Center in New York before an exclusive run at Landmark Nuart in L.A. on May 22. Co-written by Aselton and Mark Duplass, the film stars Aselton and Daveed Diggs as Erin and Charlie, a couple navigating challenges during a retreat in the desert. The film premiered at SXSW 2025.
David Usui’s documentary Been Here Stay Here will debut at the Quad, accompanied by extensive Q&A sessions, and will expand to Laemmle L.A. on May 27. The documentary highlights the struggle of a conservative Christian fishing community on a remote Chesapeake Bay island as they confront climate change and its consequences. Usui, who co-directed In Transit, employs a verité style reminiscent of the Maysles Brothers and D.A. Pennebaker.
