Margarita battles financial woes as a Russian-American fashion designer crammed into a tiny West Hollywood apartment alongside her chaotic, penniless Russian-Jewish family. Piled with bills and a dismal credit score, she dives into the ruthless reality show “Slay, Serve, Survive” chasing fame and stability. This indie comedy fuses raw family drama with biting satire exposing the fashion industry’s flaws and reality TV’s exploitative grip.
Star Power Unleashed
Camila Mendes commands as the cunning producer, while Julia Fox and Saweetie amplify the drama as flamboyant judges; Benito Skinner, Owen Thiele, Galina Jovovich, and Mark Ivanir round out the vibrant cast. Anna Baryshnikov, Mikhail Baryshnikov’s daughter, delivers a powerhouse lead following standout turns in Manchester by the Sea and Love Lies Bleeding. Critics applaud how she masterfully juggles ambition, family devotion, and self-discovery.
Premiere Spotlight
Idiotka screens at the Plaza Theatre during the 37th Palm Springs International Film Festival on Sunday, January 4, 2026. Nastasya Popov directs and pens this 82-minute U.S. production, blending English and Russian with subtitles in her feature debut. Building on SXSW 2025 hype, producers like Camila Mendes back it, with Utopia handling distribution.
Timely Satirical Edge
Idiotka spotlights authenticity, unbreakable family bonds, and predatory reality contests that weaponize trauma for ratings. Reviewers rave about fresh laughs, vivid patchwork costumes mirroring inner turmoil, and a sharp jab at fashion’s obsession with sob stories over skill. This witty indie arrives as audiences crave pop culture takedowns.
