The Death of Stalin

Synopsis

The Death of Stalin is a dark comedy film directed by Armando Iannucci, released in 2017, that follows the power struggle and political chaos that ensues in the Soviet Union following the death of dictator Joseph Stalin. The film brilliantly portrays the absurdity and ruthlessness of the political machinations of Stalin's inner circle, led by characters such as Nikita Khrushchev, Lavrentiy Beria, and Malenkov. With stellar performances by the cast, including Steve Buscemi, the movie blends humor with the horrifying realities of totalitarian rule, offering a satirical yet insightful take on historical events that shaped the Soviet era.

Cast

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  Steve Buscemi

  Nikita Khrushchev

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  Simon Russell Beale

  Lavrenti Beria

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  Jeffrey Tambor

  Georgy Malenkov

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  Jason Isaacs

  Field Marshal Zhukov

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  Michael Palin

  Vyacheslav Molotov

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  Rupert Friend

  Vasily Stalin

Reviews

The Death of Stalin has received widespread critical acclaim for its sharp wit, outstanding performances, and compelling storytelling. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a stellar rating of 95% based on 234 reviews, with the consensus that, "The Death of Stalin finds director/co-writer Armando Iannucci in riotous form, bringing his scabrous political humor to bear on a chapter in history with painfully timely parallels." IMDb rates the film 7.2/10, with viewers praising its dark humor and historical accuracy. Metacritic gives it a score of 88/100, indicating universal acclaim from critics who highlight its sharp script and stellar ensemble cast. Overall, critics have lauded The Death of Stalin for its darkly comedic take on a heavy subject, making it a must-see for history buffs and fans of political satire.