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💡 TLDR
Manifesting this energy: Anna Baryshnikov’s new film, Idiotka, is basically a Russian soap opera meets Project Runway with a side of existential dread. And yes, she’s still rocking that 1999 Valentino…
Manifesting this energy: Anna Baryshnikov’s new film, Idiotka, is basically a Russian soap opera meets Project Runway with a side of existential dread. And yes, she’s still rocking that 1999 Valentino sweater like it’s a fashion statement, not a survival tactic. The 33-year-old actor, who’s finally stepping into the lead role she’s been craving, spills on the chaos of indie filmmaking, Julia Fox’s campy charm, and why Kristen Stewart taught her how to be a real pro.
So, what’s Idiotka about? Think Margarita, a Russian eldest daughter who joins a DIY fashion competition to save her family from eviction. It’s equal parts trashy and heartfelt, with Fox, Camila Mendes, and Benito Skinner bringing the chaotic energy. Baryshnikov says her character is “so dynamic”—partly guarded, partly desperate to connect, and 100% ready to throw shade. “She’s sarcastic but also very earnest,” she explains. “It’s like if Bridgerton had a meltdown and got kicked out of a Russian village.”
The road to this movie wasn’t a walk in the park. Baryshnikov and director Nastasya Popov had to hustle like hell to get funding, which meant cold-calling actors, handing out scripts at book signings, and even filming during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. “We were desperate to have Julia in this,” Baryshnikov says. “We basically begged her.” And it paid off—because now she’s sharing the carpet with Fox, who’s basically the reason this movie exists.
But the real lesson? Watching Kristen Stewart on Love Lies Bleeding taught Baryshnikov how to be a crew member who actually cares. “Kristen is so aware of the entire set,” she says. “She’d run to check the monitor, know what the DP was doing—it’s like she’s part of the team.” Baryshnikov’s taking that energy into her next projects, including a role with Robert Pattinson in an A24 film and a Cape Fear miniseries with Patrick Wilson and Amy Adams.
💫 Baryshnikov’s got her eye on the prize, and her Valentino collection.
So, what’s next? Baryshnikov’s got her eye on the prize, and her Valentino collection? Still relevant.
Hey, bestie—what’s your go-to fashion statement when you’re about to tackle a wild project? Drop your vibe below.
❓ People Also Ask
What did Anna Baryshnikov learn from Kristen Stewart?
Anna Baryshnikov learned about emotional depth and authenticity from Kristen Stewart, which helped her bring more nuance to her role in *Idiotka*.
How did Anna Baryshnikov work with Julia Fox?
Anna Baryshnikov collaborated closely with Julia Fox on *Idiotka*, focusing on natural dialogue and shared comedic timing to enhance their on-screen chemistry.
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