In the chaos of post-Soviet Russia, a brilliant young outsider, Vadim Baranov (Dano), rises from artist to master political strategist, becoming the spin doctor to a rising KGB officer: Vladimir Putin (Law). As Baranov helps shape a new Russia blurring the boundaries between truth and lies, belief and manipulation, only the magnetic Ksenia (Vikander) is beyond his control, tempting him away from this dangerous game.