Some might consider reality TV a plague: brain rot designed to entertain people when they’re longing to tune out after a long day at work. If it’s so toxic, though, why is it so comforting?
In Idiotka, director Nastasya Popov explores the American Dream through a reality TV competition where five working-class fashion designers compete for a cash prize that could rescue them from poverty and give them a chance at a dream job in fashion.
Margarita is one of those contestants. Played by Anna Baryshnikov, Margarita is a starving fashion designer who lives with her immigrant Russian family: her grandmother (Galina Jovovich), her father (Mark Ivanir), and her brother (Nerses Stamos). Her family has been dealt a bad hand, and she has put it upon herself to rescue them from their current financial fate.
Margarita’s earnestness catches the eye of Nicol Garcia (Camila Mendes), who pities her plight and casts her on the show she produces called Slay, Serve, Survive. Shot on a low budget in a Hollywood warehouse, Margarita sacrifices her pride and puts her sewing skills to the test to win a large cash prize. The reality TV show she is on is a treat: a play on popular competitions shows like Project Runway, the show within the film features a panel of judges that include recognizable real-life fashion icons like Saweetie and Julia Fox.
Although zany in its premise, Idiotka is a sweet film. Popov’s main focus is on Margarita’s emotional growth with her family and her path to learning that it’s not always about the money when you are safe and have each other. The obstacles Margarita has to overcome on the show quickly begin to reflect her real life, like when a twist she brings to prison uniforms brings up unresolved feelings about having to take care of her father. As Margarita, Baryshnikov handles these challenges with grace, never overplaying her hand and always bringing levity to the film through her charm. Also, her outfits are so fabulous – the costume design is by Sophie Kay and Natasha Simchowitz – especially when paired with gloves, it makes me want to go out and buy some.
Truth be told, Idiotka could have pulled a Nancy Meyers and been two and a half hours versus its quick 82 minute runtime. Popov’s characters are such a joy that it’s criminal they aren’t given more screentime to make them richer. There’s so much going on in Idiotka that it feels like everything is resolved far too easily. The world Popov built is a world worth living in longer.
Idiotka is as caring as it is wildly funny. Similarly to Margarita’s character, there’s a spunk about it that’s totally delightful. May Popov make many more comedies that are just as poignant and witty in the future.
Idiotka
Narrative Spotlight, World Premiere
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This article appears in March 7 • 2025.