In Nastasya Popov's first feature film 'Idiotka,' Anna Baryshnikov plays Margarita, a budding fashion designer scrambling to stay afloat in West Hollywood's Russian community. With a laughably unreliable sewing machine at her disposal, Margarita creatively merges high-fashion labels with her own designs, intending to sell them online. Despite her struggles, Popov narrates a lively story of a woman evolving and finding her self-worth, imbued with ample humor and tenderness.
Margarita grapples with asserting her position in the ruthless fashion industry and stepping away from her feisty family's shadow, much like her creatively recycled designs. She gets her big break when Nicol Alejandra Garcia (Camila Mendes), a shrewd producer of the reality TV competition 'Slay, Serve and Survive,' stumbles upon Margarita’s video application. Garcia is less interested in Margarita's designs and more intrigued by the potential turmoil that her vibrant family could bring to the show.
In dire need of money and saddled with overdue rent, Margarita sees the allure in the possibility of winning $100,000 by signing up for reality TV. However, she quickly realizes the real drama comes from her eccentric family dynamics, particularly her camera-loving grandmother, Gita (Galina Jovovich), and her brother, Nerses (Nerses Stamos), while their father, Samuel (Mark Ivanir), prefers to stay away from the limelight-still recovering from his personal downfall as an imprisoned medical professional. Amid the chaos, Margarita steps up to the challenge of supporting her family without the authority that usually comes with it.
Popov's 'Idiotka' could further explore these complex familial relationships, as these core characters serve as the heart and humor of the film. The race to the reality TV show fuels the film's momentum, showcasing Margarita amidst other “disadvantaged designers”. Sharp satire comes from its keen portrayal of the unrealistic expectations and faux righteousness of reality TV shows, where personal pain outweighs design creativity.
Baryshnikov, previously recognized for her roles in ‘Manchester By the Sea’ and ‘Love Lies Bleeding’, holds her ground excellently as a leading lady. Her dynamic performance is magnificently complemented by costume designers Natasha Simchowitz and Sophie Kay, whose creative ensembles channel Margarita’s vibrant spirit, symbolizing her desire for people to take notice of her talent. In the end, 'Idiotka' skillfully spotlights creativity and resilience in its riveting narrative.
