I don’t think this movie quite succeeded at threading the line between satire and comedy-of-errors; the points where it wavered into what felt like gravitas (in particular the final act) felt like missteps. But the comedy — the script! the performances by Buscemi and Tambor! — was sensational, and I could have spent an extra hour listening to the insane banter.

★★★★

Lightning bolt
About The Death of Stalin

Lightning bolt
About the author

I'm Justin Duke — a software engineer, writer, and founder. I currently work as the CEO of Buttondown, the best way to start and grow your newsletter, and as a partner at Third South Capital.

Lightning bolt
Greatest hits

Lightning bolt
Elsewhere

Lightning bolt
Don't miss the next essay

Get a monthly roundup of everything I've written: no ads, no nonsense.