This political satire comedy is directed and co-written by Armando Iannucci and stars Steve Buscemi, Jeffrey Tambor, Michael Palin and Jason Isaacs. The film is based on a French novel about the power struggles that followed the death of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin in 1953. I am now going to divide you, dear readers, into two categories. If you have no idea who Armando Iannucci is, head to section A and if you know and love him head to section B.
A. Iannucci is a Scottish writer, director and satirist with a cult following due to TV shows Veep and The Thick Of It and the character Alan Partridge. He brings this cutting satire to The Death of Stalin which is very, very funny. It's eccentric so if your taste is pretty mainstream you might find it a bit odd but if you've got an open mind and don't mind verging into highbrow-meets-slapstick, give this one a go.
B. Iannucci does not disappoint! All the things you love about his work are here; brutal one-liners, beautifully executed slapstick and punchy, clever dialogue. Get yourself to a cinema!
If you want to read a proper review with more details of the plot, check out this complimentary review in The New York Times.
In cinemas 29 March. Trailer here.