The Death of Stalin (15)

Chaos hits The Kremlin when the unthinkable happens in 1953… the death of Joseph Stalin.

Moscow, 1953. Joseph Stalin is widely considered to be nothing short of a god in the Soviet Union, worshipped by the nation and his dignitaries. So, what happens now that he’s dead?

The days that followed the death of one of the 20th century’s most significant figures were chaotic to say the least. The Death of Stalin is a jet-black comedy which follows the antics of his team of ministers as they struggle to break the news of the dictator’s demise, before a vicious battle for power ensues.

While some have the best intentions for the future of the Soviet Union, others harbour more sinister plans. But, can anyone survive the bitching, backstabbing and axe-grinding and come out on top?

The film has received universal-acclaim from critics across the globe, and is written and directed by Armando Iannucci, who is no stranger to comedy, having worked as a writer on Alan Partridge (2013), In the Loop (2009), Veep (2012-2017) and The Thick of It (2005-2012).

The sensational cast includes Michael Palin (Monty Python and the Holy Grail), Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace), Steve Buscemi (Fargo) and Paddy Considine (Dead Man’s Shoes).

‘’Iannucci’s brand of political satire is applied to one of the darkest chapters in modern history, with sensational results.’’ Empire

‘’The Death of Stalin is superbly cast, and acted with icy and ruthless force by an A-list line-up. There are no weak links. Each has a plum role; each squeezes every gorgeous horrible drop.’’ The Guardian

Cert: 15

Running time: 106 mins