Indie Gems: The Death of Stalin

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Who's going to replace him?

When dictator Joseph Stalin (Adrian McLoughlin) passes away, his cabinet members  (including Steve Buscemi and Jeffrey Tambor) scramble to replace him amid chaos, arguments, and his pestering children. (Andrea Riseborough and Rupert Friend)

My theater had this film for about a week this past winter and I wasn't able to see it. It's yet to hit Netflix either, so I was pleased when this was a choice on a recent flight I took.

The first thing I need to do is publicly apologize to Rupert Friend for referring to him as "poor man's Orlando Bloom" for years. He was hysterical in this movie. I laughed so loud at one point people turned and looked at me. (whoops) His character is just so over the top and ridiculous. It's glorious.

I really liked the cast in general. Of course this film doesn't take itself seriously at all so everyone is speaking in their normal accents and it absolutely works. It kind of loses direction in a few places and a few jokes don't land, but it always gets back on course. This is one of the better dark comedies I've seen in ages.

Grade: B

Watched on: Delta Studios

Memorable Quote: "Sit the fuck down. Don't worry, no one is getting murdered." - Andreyev (Paddy Considine)

Comments

  1. Often Off TopicJuly 7, 2018 at 2:11 PM

    I've heard of this movie but had no idea it was a dark comedy! I absolutely need to see this now :D

    ReplyDelete
  2. thevoid99July 7, 2018 at 4:08 PM

    I really, really, really want to see this film as I love In the Loop made by the same filmmaker.

    ReplyDelete
  3. keith71_98July 9, 2018 at 3:55 PM

    Unfortunately I haven't seen this but I have heard some interesting takes on it. Hopefully soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJuly 9, 2018 at 5:24 PM

      I hope you enjoy it when you get the chance to see it. I can see why this would be divisive.

      Delete
  4. JayJuly 10, 2018 at 12:43 PM

    Okay, I really am going to watch it now. Any minute.

    ReplyDelete
  5. s.July 10, 2018 at 1:36 PM

    I was really surprised by how dark it was comparing to In the Loop and the Thick of It, this didn't make me laugh nearly as much and several moments were legitimately dark. But it was still a good movie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJuly 10, 2018 at 8:18 PM

      For sure. I'm with you in being a bit surprised at how subtly far they took it at times. Still can't get over that spitting scene though. God I laughed so hard.

      Delete
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    ReplyDelete

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