Reel Review from SXSW 2025: Idiotka Is a Fashion Fanatic’s Dream Dramedy
Idiotka is a SXSW 2025 standout and for good reason. The film follows Margarita, a young Russian American woman who competes in a fashion reality competition show to win money to support her struggling family. As serious as that logline sounds, the film perfectly balances humor with drama, and highlights the value of family and being true to oneself.
Anna Baryshnikov stars as the quirky, flawed, yet kindhearted Margarita. Camila Mendes plays an icy Los Angeles reality television producer who gives Margarita a chance on her show. Owen Thiele portrays a hilarious parody of a fashion television show host. He and Mendes are a hilarious duo who scream LA anytime they’re together in the film.
Julia Fox, Saweetie, and Benito Skinner star as the fashion show judges, and they absolutely kill the stereotypical tropes these judges usually fall under. Fox plays the passive aggressive diva, Skinner plays the overdramatic one, and Saweetie plays the kindhearted judge of the group. This trio paired with Thiele poke just the right amount of fun at fashion reality show tropes without making it too much.
While the fashion competition leans more towards the comedy of the film, Margarita’s family life brings out humor and drama simultaneously. Mark Ivanir plays Margarita’s father Samuel, a hardworking man who just got released from prison. Galina Jovovich plays Margarita’s eccentric grandmother, and Nerses Stamos plays her little brother.
The family struggles to pay rent, and with Samuel’s prior incarceration, his ego is a bit fragile. Margarita goes on a journey of selling out for the chance of prize money versus respecting her family’s privacy. The film does an excellent job of highlighting the pitfalls of reality television. Sometimes it’s easy to forget reality show contestants are real people with real problems, not just characters to exploit.
Going into this film, I had no idea what to expect. However, I was excited to see a film that showcases family tribulations in an organic way. They don’t shy away from the reality so many people go through living in today’s world. Above all the glitz and glamour of reality television, Idiotka is a testament to human connection and unconditional love. If you want a quirky and humorous comedy blended with a bittersweet slice of a family’s life, Idiotka is a must-watch.
