Russian Mom

Review of “Russian Mom”: A Comedy of Errors in LA

Picture this: a Russian mom lands in sunny Los Angeles, and chaos ensues faster than you can say “vodka shot!” The film kicks off with our protagonist, a well-meaning but slightly hapless daughter named Natasha, who’s juggling her career, her social life, and the impending arrival of her mother, Valentina. With her mother’s penchant for drama and a knack for turning every situation into a full-blown spectacle, Natasha might as well be preparing for a circus act.

As Valentina arrives, the first thing she does is immediately criticize Natasha’s apartment, declaring that it looks like a “disco exploded”—because, of course, the color scheme of beige and taupe is a crime against humanity in her eyes. Natasha tries to keep her cool while Valentina starts rearranging furniture like she’s auditioning for a home makeover show. Spoiler alert: nothing stays in its original place.

In classic comedy fashion, Valentina’s visit coincides with Natasha’s big work presentation. While Natasha is busy rehearsing her pitch, Valentina takes it upon herself to make new friends in the neighborhood. This leads to an awkward brunch with Natasha’s boss, where Valentina insists on ordering “the most Russian” dish on the menu, much to everyone’s horror. Imagine a plate of borscht sitting next to avocado toast, and you’ve got a recipe for cultural confusion that would make even the strongest stomach turn.

Next, we have the classic misunderstanding moment, where Valentina mistakes Natasha’s new boyfriend, Jake, for a successful businessman (thanks to his designer suit) instead of the struggling actor he actually is. Cue a series of attempts to impress Valentina, including Jake trying to “act” like he’s rich. Unfortunately, his acting skills leave much to be desired, and Valentina is convinced he’s hiding a secret fortune, leading to a hilariously awkward dinner where he accidentally reveals he’s just a waiter at a fancy restaurant. Natasha almost dies of embarrassment, but Valentina? She’s thrilled—because what’s more exciting than a love story with a rags-to-riches twist?

Then there’s the classic “meet the neighbors” scene, where Valentina shows up unannounced at Natasha’s friend’s house, determined to give her unsolicited life advice. Let’s just say, the neighbors end up getting a full-on lecture about the benefits of traditional Russian home remedies for everything from colds to heartbreaks. Natasha, meanwhile, is hiding in the pantry, trying to figure out how to untangle herself from the mess her life has become.

As the film progresses, you can’t help but laugh at the mounting disasters: Valentina’s attempts at online dating (which leads to an unexpected and very awkward double date), her obsession with taking selfies at every iconic LA location (because if it’s not on Instagram, did it even happen?), and her relentless pursuit of finding Natasha a “real man.”

In the final act, just when it seems like Natasha might explode from the pressure, something miraculous happens. Valentina, in her own chaotic way, shows up to support Natasha at her presentation, bringing a motley crew of her new LA friends. They cheer loud enough to make sure everyone knows who the real star is—Valentina, of course! The presentation turns into a comedy showcase, and Natasha realizes that maybe her mom’s over-the-top antics aren’t so bad after all.

In the end, “Russian Mom” is a delightful romp through the comedic chaos that ensues when cultures collide, proving that family, no matter how embarrassing, always has your back. So grab your favorite drink, sit back, and enjoy the hilarity that unfolds when a Russian mom takes on LA—because if nothing else, you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for your own family’s quirks!