• The Death of Stalin (2018)

    When tyrannical dictator Joseph Stalin dies in 1953, his parasitic cronies square off in a frantic power struggle to become the next Soviet leader. Among the contenders are the dweebish Georgy Malenkov, the wily Nikita Khrushchev and Lavrenti Beria -- the sadistic secret police chief. As they bumble, brawl and back-stab their way to the top, the question remains -- just who is running the government?

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The Death of Stalin
88
metacriticBased on 43 Critics
74
Based on 218 Users

Release Date: March 9th, 2018

R |1 hr 47 min

Plot Summary

When tyrannical dictator Joseph Stalin dies in 1953, his parasitic cronies square off in a frantic power struggle to become the next Soviet leader. Among the contenders are the dweebish Georgy Malenkov, the wily Nikita Khrushchev and Lavrenti Beria -- the sadistic secret police chief. As they bumble, brawl and back-stab their way to the top, the question remains -- just who is running the government?

Cast: Steve Buscemi, Andrea Riseborough, Simon Russell Beale, Rupert Friend, Jason Isaacs, Jeffrey Tambor, Paddy Considine, Olga Kurylenko

Director: Armando Iannucci

Genres: Dark comedy

Production Co: Main Journey, Quad Productions, Gaumont, Panache Productions, France 3 Cinéma, La Compagnie Cinématographique

Keywords: Fall, Amusing, Death, 1950s, Quest, Rivalry, Cheeky, Pursuit, Office

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Ratings & Reviews

  • 80
    Tim GriersonScreen International

    The novelty of his volcanically vulgar, deeply cynical tone may have worn off some, but Iannucci has nonetheless crafted another poisonous cocktail of naked ambition and blustery bravado with a decidedly bitter aftertaste. show more

  • 80
    John DeForeThe Hollywood Reporter

    Though not as stuffed with rapid-fire laughs as In the Loop...this makes a very fine sophomore outing. show more

  • 80
    Joe MorgensternWall Street Journal

    Armando Iannucci’s absurdist comedy reveals this in an extremely loose manner of speaking, with malice aforethought, straight-faced glee and formidable sharpshooting that occasionally misfires. It isn’t history but free-range fiction, a venomous farce containing nuggets of fact, and if its subjects bear any resemblance to present-day dictators and authoritarian mugs or thugs around the world, then the movie has hit its archetypal target. show more

See all critic reviews on metacritic.com

Awards

Nominated Adapted Screenplay
British Academy of Film & Television Arts (2018)
Nominated Outstanding British Film
British Academy of Film & Television Arts (2018)