The Death of Stalin

Main Plot

"The Death of Stalin," directed by Armando Iannucci, is a dark comedy that portrays the chaotic aftermath of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin's sudden death in 1953. The film delves into the power struggle among the members of the Central Committee as they vie for control of the Soviet Union. Amidst the political maneuvering, paranoia, and backstabbing, the film highlights the absurdity and brutality of the regime. The key figures, including high-ranking officials and military leaders, engage in a desperate and often farcical battle to secure their positions and influence. The narrative captures the tension and absurdity of the era, blending historical events with satirical elements to underscore the surreal nature of the power vacuum left by Stalin's demise.

Characters

• Steve Buscemi plays Nikita Khrushchev, a cunning politician who maneuvers for power amidst the chaos following Stalin's death.
• Simon Russell Beale plays Lavrentiy Beria, the ruthless head of the Soviet secret police, who manipulates events and rivals to seize power after Stalin's death.
• Jeffrey Tambor plays Georgy Malenkov, who becomes the Soviet leader after Stalin's death, struggling with power dynamics and political chaos.

Ending Explained

In the concluding scenes of "The Death of Stalin," directed by Armando Iannucci, the power struggle among Stalin's inner circle reaches its climax. After Stalin's death, his closest associates, including Lavrentiy Beria, Nikita Khrushchev, and Georgy Malenkov, vie for control. Beria initially gains the upper hand by positioning himself as the de facto leader, leveraging his control over the secret police and manipulating Malenkov, who is nominally Stalin's successor. However, Khrushchev orchestrates a coup against Beria. He garners support from key military leaders, including Marshal Zhukov, and convinces the Central Committee of Beria's treachery and crimes. In a dramatic turn of events, Beria is arrested during a committee meeting, tried in a kangaroo court, and summarily executed. The film concludes with Khrushchev consolidating his power, foreshadowing his eventual rise to become the Premier of the Soviet Union. The final scene hints at the ongoing political machinations, as Khrushchev's future rival, Leonid Brezhnev, is seen watching him, suggesting the cyclical nature of power struggles within the Soviet regime.