In “Idiotka,” first-time filmmaker Nastasya Popov skilfully navigates a delicate path, focusing on the tumultuous existence of Margarita (Anna Baryshnikov), an ambitious fashion designer residing in the closely-knit Russian community of West Hollywood. Much like her dilapidated dwelling, Margarita appears to be a work still in progress. To make ends meet, she deceives by attaching tags from well-known design labels onto her own creations before selling them online. However, beneath the misleading advertising, her clothes display a unique character. Popov presents an energetic narrative about a woman finding her identity, filled with genuine humor and emotion.
In “Idiotka,” just like one of my favorite outfits, there’s a hint of reused material that adds to its charm. The protagonist, Margarita, grapples with finding her voice in a ruthless industry and breaking free from the influence of her fiery family, but Popov masterfully weaves these elements into a hilarious tapestry.
The tale unfolds when Nicol Alejandra Garcia (played by Camila Mendes), a shrewd producer of the reality TV show “Slay, Serve and Survive,” stumbles upon Margarita’s application video buried in a pile of rejections. Though Margarita’s initial pitch might not have been promising, when her grandma Gita (portrayed by Galina Jovovich) barges into the scene demanding a close-up, Nicol senses that there’s a captivating family history waiting to be unveiled. He’s less intrigued by Margarita’s sewing skills and more enticed by the chaos her family could bring.
Struggling to make ends meet due to five months of back rent on her shared apartment, Margarita finds herself faced with an enticing offer: $100,000 in exchange for signing her life away on TV. Despite some reservations, she sees no other option. Meanwhile, it’s clear that the real drama might unfold within their household, as the lively Gita seems to thrive under the spotlight. However, the elder Samuel, who was once a doctor but served prison time for healthcare fraud, prefers to stay away from the cameras. The family dynamics are strained, with constant squabbles among siblings due to their newfound financial burdens. With the responsibility of paying the bills resting on her shoulders and lacking the power that comes with it, Margarita grapples with maintaining a roof over their heads.
In “Idiotka,” the protagonist may feel frustrated with her family, yet it could be delightful to invest a bit more time in their company. The lively cast forms a vibrant core, and the narrative would gain depth if some of the characters’ relationships were further developed beyond just setting up their dynamics. “Idiotka” mirrors Margarita’s chaos with its fast-paced rhythm. However, Popov is eager to move on to “Slay, Serve and Survive,” where Margarita contends with four other struggling designers, as the series boasts, and where most of the film’s humor unfolds.
The competition is quite over-the-top, especially considering that Saweetie and Julia Fox are portraying caricatures of themselves on the judging panel. However, the biting satire arises from Popov’s keen understanding of how such a show functions: what contestants can say to avoid elimination and the overall pretense of moral righteousness. The director also notices that the evaluation of clothing is never straightforward; every design needs to be accompanied by a story of personal motivation, with those rooted in heartache or social issues being favored. Value appears to stem from suffering, rather than originality.
Following impressive supporting roles in films such as “Manchester By the Sea” and “Love Lies Bleeding,” Baryshnikov excels in her debut leading part, portraying a character who learns to stand out in her own right. Her playful acting is further emphasized by the exceptional costuming work of Natasha Simchowitz and Sophie Kay, as they dress Margarita in patchwork garments that mirror the turmoil within her, hinting at her readiness for attention from someone who truly sees her. In “Idiotka,” talent shines brightly across the board.
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2025-03-19 04:48