The Death of Stalin

The Death of Stalin

Year: 2018

Runtime: 107 min

Language: English

Director: Armando Iannucci

Echo Score: 85

Budget: $13M

BiographyDramaHistoryComedy

Following the sudden death of Joseph Stalin, a power vacuum erupts in Moscow. A collection of ruthless and ambitious officials, including Georgy Malenkov, Nikita Khrushchev, and Lavrentiy Beria, begin a darkly comedic and chaotic battle for control of the Soviet Union. As they maneuver for position, the nation faces a period of uncertainty and potential anarchy, leading to unexpected and often absurd consequences.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Death of Stalin yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Death of Stalin (2018)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Death of Stalin (2018). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1953-1956

This period marked a significant transformation in the Soviet political landscape, starting with the sudden death of Joseph Stalin and leading to a power struggle among his closest associates. The events of this time showcase a blend of political machinations and reform attempts, significantly impacting the future of the Soviet Union.

Location

Kuntsevo Dacha, Moscow, Soviet Union

The Kuntsevo Dacha is a notable summer residence primarily used by high-ranking members of the Soviet government, including Joseph Stalin. Known for its lush surroundings, this residence became a stage for critical political maneuvers during the chaotic period following Stalin's death, steeped in intrigue and power struggles.

🏛️ Historical 🎵 Music Venue

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:04

Main Characters – The Death of Stalin (2018)

Meet the key characters of The Death of Stalin (2018), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Maria Veniaminovna Yudina

A determined and talented pianist, Maria finds herself embroiled in an oppressive political scenario. Initially resistant to Stalin's demands, her complex character showcases resilience and the moral dilemmas faced by those under tyrannical rule.

👩‍🎤 Pianist 🎼 Musician

Nikita Khrushchev

A shrewd and ambitious politician, Khrushchev embodies the tumultuous spirit of the power struggles after Stalin's death. His strategic maneuvers reveal a complex character capable of both ruthlessness and opportunism as he seeks to consolidate his power.

⚖️ Politician 💡 Reformist

Vyacheslav Molotov

A long-time stalwart of Soviet policy, Molotov represents loyalty and the old guard amidst shifting loyalties. His situation reflects the fragile position of those who once supported Stalin, now facing the risk of purges.

📜 Politician 🤝 Ally

Lavrenti Beria

As the head of the NKVD, Beria is a cunning and ruthless figure, adept at manipulation. His character epitomizes the darker side of political ambition, willing to eliminate rivals to secure power.

🔪 Villain 🔍 Manipulator

Georgy Malenkov

Initially appointed as chairman after Stalin's death, Malenkov struggles with the overwhelming pressures of power and quickly becomes a pawn in Beria's games. His character reflects the themes of fear and complicity in a volatile political environment.

👔 Leader 🤔 Indecisive

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:04

Major Themes – The Death of Stalin (2018)

Explore the central themes of The Death of Stalin (2018), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Power Struggle

The film delves into the intense struggle for leadership following Stalin's death, highlighting how ambition can drive individuals to manipulate and betray each other. The chaos of this power vacuum reveals the dire consequences of political ambition and the lengths to which characters will go to secure their positions.

🎹 Music and Manipulation

Music serves as a backdrop for both the chaos and manipulation that unfolds throughout the story. The frantic reattempt to capture Mozart's performance symbolizes the lengths to which individuals go to please those in power, portraying how art intertwines with the political landscape.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:04

Unlock the Full Story of The Death of Stalin

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Death of Stalin in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Death of Stalin is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Death of Stalin Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Death of Stalin, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Death of Stalin Summary

The Death of Stalin Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Death of Stalin with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Death of Stalin Timeline

The Death of Stalin Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Death of Stalin that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Death of Stalin Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Death of Stalin

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Death of Stalin: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Death of Stalin