Watch Potato Dreams of America

Potato Dreams of America is a heartwarming coming-of-age film that follows the journey of a young boy named Potato, as he navigates life as a first-generation immigrant in the United States. The movie is set in the late 1980s and is based on the writer and director Wes Hurley’s real-life experiences as a gay immigrant from Russia.

The movie opens with an introduction to young Potato, played by Tyler Bocock, who lives in Leningrad with his mother and grandmother. He is fascinated by American culture and dreams of one day escaping the restrictive Soviet Union to live a better life in the land of the free. However, the journey is far from easy, and when Potato’s mother announces that they will be moving to the US, he is torn between excitement and fear.

The story then shifts to Seattle, where Potato, now played by Jonathan Bennett, and his family have settled into their new life. They live in a cramped apartment, and Potato's mother works long hours at a fast-food restaurant to make ends meet. Meanwhile, Potato has to adjust to a new school, new friends, and a new way of life. As an outsider, he faces discrimination and bullying from his classmates, but through it all, he never loses his hope for a better future.

The movie explores Potato's struggles with his sexuality and the conflict between his conservative Russian upbringing and the liberal American culture. He is torn between his love for his mother and his desire to live an authentic life. Thankfully, he finds solace in his friendship with a drag queen named Fantasia, played by Lea DeLaria, who becomes his mentor and confidant. Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, as Potato starts to embrace his true identity.

The movie also explores the relationships between Potato, his mother, and his grandmother. They are a close-knit family, but their cultural differences often lead to misunderstandings and arguments. Potato's grandmother, played brilliantly by Lauren Tewes, is a staunch communist who often clashes with her daughter and grandson over their views on capitalism and democracy. However, through it all, they remain a family, and their love for each other enables them to navigate the challenges of life in a new country.

Dan Lauria also gives a memorable performance as Father Kelly, the local priest who takes Potato under his wing. He becomes a father figure to Potato, and their interactions provide some of the movie's most touching moments. Lauria brings a warmth and compassion to his role, and his scenes with Bennett are a highlight of the film.

Overall, Potato Dreams of America is a touching and poignant movie that deals with themes of identity, family, and cultural identity. It is an inspiring and uplifting story of a young boy who refuses to give up on his dreams despite the challenges he faces, and it celebrates the resilience and strength of the human spirit. The movie is beautifully shot, and the performances are outstanding, with Jonathan Bennett giving a standout performance as Potato. Wes Hurley has created a moving and compassionate film that will resonate with audiences of all ages, and it is a testament to the power of storytelling to heal and inspire.

Potato Dreams of America is a 2022 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.