A Russian Mail-Order Bride and a Jaw-Dropping Twist

The hilarious, stranger-than-fiction story of a mother and son who emigrate to America and get more than they bargained for. Read more: www.theatlantic.com/video/ind...
"Little Potato" was directed by Wes Hurley and Nathan Miller. It is part of The Atlantic Selects, an online showcase of short documentaries from independent creators, curated by The Atlantic.
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[@IYAMNI]

"Transgender was fine with me, but nobody wants karaoke every night" LOL. Best line.

[@talkpretty4109]

Gah. Totally. Best line ever.

[@ShaneSlack]

I DIED!!! I had to pause it!

[@AndreAndFriends]

Russians do karaoke after drinking vodka. NO VODKA, NO KARAOKE.

[@at5286]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@justintai8725]

Yes brilliant

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

This Russian lady is a goddamn saint

[@studpup1912]

Agreed, WeeWeeJumbo, Agreed.

[@wellesradio]

Oh my god! You said exactly what I just commented!

[@wellesradio]

Vega Prototype She doesn’t need a man. And the years she spent with James weren’t a waste because she taught him love and was able to form a beautiful friendship with Janice. The three of them learned to love each other.

[@wellesradio]

@@batboy3746 No, I don't think anything is "wrong" with that. But you must be confused because you conflated things being right with things being "normal". I think a dude becoming a woman and singing karaoke is NOT normal, and it's awesome. You know what IS normal? Men beating their wives. That's not only normal it's downright common all around the world. So fuck normal. Normal is no arbiter of good or bad.

[@petitio_principii]

@@wellesradio "Normal" means not only common, but the most common, the norm, modal; men beating their wives is less rare than we'd like to be, but it's definitely not normal not even all that common, at least in reasonably civilized countries and regions.

[@nataliexu5624]

"He hit me, and I hit him back. I told him that I'd leave him and I did." What a strong woman.

[@patronsaintofpoison]

It only seems strong because so many women don't leave their abusers. But staying in a situation where you are being harmed is the abnormal thing.

[@elpresidente3397]

My wife abuses me and all I can do is bring home more money

[@grmpEqweer]

@@elpresidente3397 If you're being hit, call a crisis hotline. Most domestic violence shelters work with men too.

[@yvrp]

caarcr1nolaas most women are afraid of the consequences of leaving, it could potentially get them killed or harmed if they try to leave unsuccessfully.

[@Alexandra_Hill]

El Presidente leave, ppl don’t change.

[@danielleanner2887]

Self hatred starts somewhere. What a fine person this mom is.

[@valhalla1240]

reminds me of a George Carlin interview he gave once, where he explained how extreme anti-gay / anti-trans people are usually just trapped in the closet themsleves and can't deal with it.

[@ExtrovertedCenobite]

Love Carlin, agree with much of his politics and beliefs but he wasn't correct on every count.

[@msoda8516]

I love his mom’s reply “ everyone is a little bit gay “

[@MrMatrius]

Mom I really really gay

[@yltraviole]

Also "Oh thats it? I thought you were going to tell me a bad thing!"

[@TheCerealluvr]

"no mom. I REALLY REALLY gay."

[@lancelotxavier9084]

M Soda -"everyone is a little gay" comfort thought for gays, but not true.

[@lancelotxavier9084]

@@msoda8516 - actually no, especially the "everyone" part. But yes, it happens even in nature.

[@CurtainRod]

Thanks, Russian mom. For giving people the gifts of understanding and acceptance even when the societies you lived in wouldn't.

[@miapdx503]

Especially when. 😘

[@brittanyalej]

transwomen aresexistmen There’s nothing wrong with his takeaway. There were quite a few in this.

[@lorizline3457]

Amen!

[@lorizline3457]

@transwomen aresexistmen ?????????

[@ayndie38]

lorizline yeah man, that is a troll handle if I ever saw one 😂😂😂

[@awaitingaugust1681]

"even Grandma." 😂😂

[@ahippy8972]

Awaiting August yes! Even granma 🥰🥰🥰

[@erinthesystem9608]

That's one way to kill a hard-on.. 😳

[@BobbieXxoo]

The look on Potatoes face.... Epic! 👌💜

[@Hillers62]

NOOOO!!!...say it isn't true!!!!!!!

[@dejonckheere100]

Every gay man should have a clever witty sweet mom like that."nobody wants karoke every night" is t-shirt material.

[@purpleflametarot39]

Yes it is! Unfortunately, most people wouldn't get it tho, lol.

[@FaithandNova]

@transwomen aresexistmensmh, I'm assuming everything offends you.

[@harrietpotter649]

@@FaithandNova she's a troll.

[@ohmygoddessxoxo7046]

My boys do! I have 2 gay sons. Dad & I hit the "Decor, Fashion & Cooking jackpot" I couldn't have designed better people to gift the world. I couldn't be any prouder of them both. We're truly blessed with the amazing kids we created. In fact, it's my babies 19th birthday is today, yeay!!!

[@isbsey]

I'd wear a T-shirt with that line on it. In fact, I want one. My grandson is transgender and what a lovely boy he is.

[@callmedavex2]

"When potato moved out" hahaha haha is anyone else losing it over his name, best quote of the year.

[@bishopconnor]

I wanted to know why she called him Potato! They never said, right? Is that a common Russian term of endearment? Like in the U.S. we use "punkin"?

[@davidhollenshead4892]

@@bishopconnor yes.

[@thomaszabel1521]

@@bishopconnor Yes, kind of like "sweet pea" or "sugar". It's just that potatoes are more important to Russian's diet than they are here.

[@milascave2]

steven: Yea but it isn't really a compliment in the USA to call somebody "potato."

[@pascal590]

Ok Bc I thought I misheard her lmaooo

[@syntext]

This mom deserves everything. An incredible mother, partner, and friend.

[@Trund27]

Syntext Band absolutely!!!

[@JennSGibbs]

Nobody wants karaoke every night.... dying 🤣

[@vampyr69]

Oh is that what she said? I thought she said he really liked Carol King and nobody wants to hear Carol King every night

[@palomam5152]

"Transgender was right but karaoke..." LOVEEEEEEEEEE

[@fmcevoy1]

Well, that's true.

[@MomoxEstudios]

She wants the D

[@smoothoperator501]

Momox Estudios So does your dad

[@rgarlinyc]

Sweet, sad story. Beautiful, kind mother.

[@juliankenning]

Actually it's not sad at all. It's a wonderful real life happy end story.

[@rgarlinyc]

+julian kenning: I think I know what you're concluding, but just because there's a happy 'ending', does not mean the 'start' or the 'journey' isn't sad. Here's an example: 185 people survived the 1989 UA Flight 232 Sioux City crash, (happy ending) but 195 did not (achingly sad).

[@beths3288]

I wish every mom in the world was as loving, self-sacrificing, and open as this mom. Imagine how much better the world would be.

[@jeaniebird999]

I imagine a world like that, all the time. It's all I can do, anymore...

[@knutdergroe9757]

It is called, Set the example..... Ever if it is just you, It makes a difference. How can it not ? Two beautiful gifts, Selfless, and responsible.

[@darkalice650]

If you never saw bad things, you'll never understand that is good.

[@Dovndyr13]

Well a lot of Russian women maybe didnt accept theire gay son - but a lot of Russian women moved from Russia to the west to give theire children a better life without knowing the local language often. I know several Russian women here in Denmark who did so. Through this russian mafia learned that there is a lot of money in fake dating apps

[@KSangel180]

Preach it!!

[@theseventysevenmiles]

Mom of the Decade. What a wonderful lady. We need her to have a you tube channel and podcast.

[@Fineb]

If she makes one, the channel should be called: Potatos mom

[@theseventysevenmiles]

bettybundgaard Motatoe's Channel.

[@CptKD-vu3ee]

#HatElevenPharaohRoad ⭐I'm thinking, Dr Phil COULD 'Learn' a thing, or two ----> From this 'Sweetest' of Lady/Mom's❣⭐

[@janemiettinen5176]

I would sub to that, shes delightful! Potato could be her special guest every now and then, hes pretty cool too.

[@hoobearcouch6085]

Yoooooooo "everyone's a little gay." "But mom I'm really REALLY gay." Took me out

[@greencubix]

I like potato and his mom a lot!

[@Codiggity369]

This woman is so kind.

[@NegatingSilence]

He said, "mom I'm really really gay"

[@ecstaticallyextreme]

In other word's he's a queen. And her husband was also a queen. Wow.

[@ecstaticallyextreme]

I wonder if secretly inside, she is a dude...or should I say a King

[@Moerocha62]

What a courageous and beautiful story! I love how accepting and loving she is of her son, no matter what. She even forgave James/Janice and supported her when she most needed it. What a saint.

[@tinasaysYO]

I randomly clicked on this video and I'd say it was the best decision of today. The mom a fucking angel. This family's story a beauty.

[@xiqueira]

Amazing story. Amazing mom sacrificing for a future for her son. Amazing man who finally was overcome by his wife’s acceptance and finally accepted himself. They brought each other true salvation from the circumstances of the life they were born into.

[@xiqueira]

veronica carlson his actions before were not amazing. I am not even saying anyone should forgive him. He was abusive that is a fact. the fact he turned his hatred for himself around and accepted himself and gay people is what is amazing. Many people go to the grave with horrible homophobia when it was always hate for their own orientation they couldn’t come to terms with. I can fully understand the betrayal a woman can feel and it is best if it doesn’t take a woman for a man to find himself. But those are two separate things. Everyone in this piece has evolved.

[@ernestobrezo9031]

You're a very lucky person to have such a wonderful person as your mother

[@starlighteuu]

his mom is adorable. Her love for her son makes me strong. Shes what the world needs.

[@roba4295]

"It will get better. We just have to wait." Said, every good Russian mother for generations.

[@Sarah.Riedel]

"And your biology book is outdated garbage" lmaooo I love her. "Even grandma" hahaha 😂

[@08680868]

I love potatoe and his mom , and want to hug them 🤗

[@nicolinagallo]

His mother is a Fortress of Fortitude! He's one of the luckiest men in the world!

[@ripley2822]

Love the mom. Such a beautiful, kind, accepting soul.

[@cryptclown]

The Twist...WOW. Though the reveal kinda scared me, cause up till that point james is having mood swings and I thought she caught him during a norman bates moment. But instead she was just revealing herself. It was a happy ending. Informative cause I have never heard the story of a mail order bride and how apocalyptic russia is.

[@reneerico866]

I was scared that someone was about to be buried in the garden when she first saw him dressed as a woman. Whew!!!

[@polishherowitoldpilecki5521]

crypt clown Not apocalyptic, but very poor and backwards. Especially in frontier cities that are harder to govern.

[@SSR00000]

It was like listening to a blueprint to what is happening in South Africa.

[@infiltr80r]

In northern Estonia, the antennas would catch Finnish channels which aired all the western movies and shows. This was illegal but no one cared. So, we were watching Finnish commercials about cliche happy people thinking that's the day-to-day life in Finland and the west. I recall people gathering in front of the TV to watch another episode of Dallas. That's funny because it was only 30 years ago - now I consider most US tv shows garbage and have travelled all over the world. Things change fast. Vladivostok seemed to have it so much worse though.

[@Dovndyr13]

Well in that direction Estonia, I guess especially the northen part was lucky (and having a language closefinish helpedas well,I doubt that the russians could understand a word lol) - the rest of Soviet not so much. In former GDR it was the other way arround. West germany had pretty strong radio signals, so entire GDR could watch western movies except the city of Dresden. Dresden is in a valley, so they were kind of mocked by the cities of beeing the most ignorant only believing what the party was telling on tv

[@lorizline3457]

You know, I have noticed that the world IS changing at an alarming speed too

[@Dovndyr13]

@@lorizline3457 always has, its just us humans that think it should be stable

[@LifeofMinna]

i can relate, im estonian too but younger, born in 89. i never liked estonian society and american media was my escape as a teenager. i remember watching stupid shows like baywatch and life seemed so cheerful and easy there. now i live in canada, much happier here.

[@janemiettinen5176]

And we could watch Estonian tv in Helsinki! My grandpa just *LOVED* tv - any kind, any time - so he learned Estonian while watching Estonian tv. Just for fun! He even taped some shows, in Beta before he got VHS too. I remember vividly watching some kids program with him, he translated when I couldnt figure it out myself. Still remember that milk is piim. Oh, how he would have loved passionately all these different medias of today! Hopefully he gets Netflix and YT in afterlife :)

[@jimmaithecricket]

The truth is stranger than fiction.

[@lovely-mk4rt]

I’ve been watching Atlantic (?short films) videos for about 2 years. I look forward to a point of view that never occurred to me. Of all that I have seen, this video is by far the most thought provoking and ..... new... I’m over 60, straight, and single but I feel connected to the mother. Excellent video. Thank you

[@HibiscusHigh]

Lovely Hawaiian Agree with you wholeheartedly.😍 (p.s. I was born and raised in Hawaii. Happy day, Lovely Hawaiian. 🙂)

[@kabardinka1]

I love this mother and son. Желаем удачи вам!

[@RenaissanceKat]

I SO want to be this lady's friend. What a refreshing outlook, what a gentle, open-minded spirit. She's just lovely!

[@CyKosis1973]

This is the Mother Russia needs...

[@Zeyev]

So many turns. So many twists. Thanks for showing it on the day after National Coming Out Day.

[@maiwennbzh]

Potato's mom is so amazing 😍

[@caleblovell]

What an incredible and well-told story.

[@omoriarty8531]

"It made me angry so I hit him back! Then I told him I would leave him". Yes!!! You're an amazing woman

[@OB.x]

"everyone's a lil gay!" XD god bless this woman

[@xKarmylla]

DAMN, what a story! Thanks for sharing, I loved it!!!!

[@amanita1964]

Mom and son best relationship ever. Love you guys !

[@motherendurance]

I just love these two, may they both live long happy lives.

[@alexashupp2455]

Such a good story! She wins 'Mom of the Year' forever.

[@wellesradio]

This woman is a saint. I want her to be my second mom.

[@ecstaticallyextreme]

I like how she has unconditional love

[@divadoodledoo]

What a heartwarming story ... such wonderful people! The Mom is everything!

[@grannysb.s.4209]

What a beautiful, humorous, uplifting, inspiring and surprising story of unconditional love. I have always taught my children and they, in turn, taught their own: Love is a VERB. Not a noun. It's active, fluid and adaptive -not just felt as an emotion or a spoken word. One of the best videos I've seen on KZbin.

[@FeralKimchi]

His mom seems so cool! Glad things have worked out well for both of them.

[@kellybraille]

Best. Story. Ever. In tears by the end. I love you, Russian mom!

[@mcmc8496]

Bravo, and a belated welcome to America...

[@wagherbert]

Just when you think people are too horrible, along come these two, and faith in humanity is restored.

[@natalie8212]

Holy shit. This has been in my recommended and I'm so glad I finally watched it. What an interesting story, and mostly it's so beautiful, the friendship she shares with her son! This could have been longer honestly.

[@hayhee86]

What a lovely woman I wonder how she managed to be so progressive and supportive of other people when she herself lived in oppressive times.

[@knutdergroe9757]

Empathy.....

[@fancyfeast5086]

Just to rebel against the grief the government was causing the people.

[@lekkki1]

This story is so epic it defies description. A million thanks for this work.

[@MegCazalet]

This woman is incredible. What an inspiration and role model. She’s a hero! ♥️

[@nemoniente5844]

What an angel of a woman. Her smile is contagious.

[@Jsyche77]

Best mum ever (excluding my mum, obviously)

[@lalakuma9]

"Everyone's a little gay" I didn't not expect her to say that lol

[@hal900x]

I'm near tears. I'm a 52 year old straight man. These people had so much compassion, and endured so much without blinking. I can only hope to emulate one tenth of that strength. Scratch that, actual tears now.

[@ggetoile]

The most amazing, compelling and beautiful story! What a jaw dropping twist in the middle! Potato, you have an awesome mom! Much love and respect to you both!

[@OddWoz]

How awesome. I especially loved all of Mama Potato’s zingers.... they cracked me up. And to agree with others, yes... she is an absolute saint. Truly a dramatic twist at the end... even ole mean James was actually just eaten alive by shame and guilt and needed her as much as she and Potato needed him! ❤️

[@laurallama73]

Much respect for this woman’s mom skills.❤️❤️😊

[@johannato7699]

What an incredible mom!

[@jaylew889]

Hands down probably one of the coolest moms in the world. That boy is soo lucky he was blessed to have her as a parent.

[@rebl1128]

LOL. "Mom, I'm really, really gay."

[@canine555]

You guys are doing awesome work. Not only are your stories entertaining, but also relatable and inspirational.

[@RRRR-ch1bn]

What a beautiful story. how lucky he is to have a parent like her.

[@ChillVanille]

That was incredible. I was not expecting that ending!

[@kray97]

That was truly worth sitting through....amazing thought provoking story. Sometimes truth is better than fiction.

[@nuclearswan]

I wish I had the power to protect such beautiful people like these two from the evil in this world.

[@checkurbrainfly]

This is one of the most heart warming lil docs I’ve ever seen, I’m glad they are Happy, great decent humans #humanitymatters

[@terrehonbowden3472]

Click bait that delivered. I did not see that coming. What a wonderful story. And "nobody wants karaoke every night" is a great line.

[@jkaygoulet]

Nobody wants karaoke every night. 🤣👏🏼 I adore this angel of a woman so much! ❤

[@looshkin66]

Transgender is fine with me, but karaoke? Nobody wants karaoke everynight." What a great quote!

[@avocadomonkey4892]

Elena's courage, humanity, love and perseverance brought tears to my eyes. Thank you, Potato, for sharing your story. ❤

[@KindellArmstrong]

His mom is awesome! Really protective and clear minded !!

[@Selur91]

That woman is a superhero. It kinda breaks my heart to know how many similar stories like her's and his boy are out there, in silence and fear.

[@RubyOpheliaQuinn]

"Mum, I'm really, really gay" 😂 For real though, she is an amazing mother and woman.

[@vondahe]

What an amazing story. Mom is a very special woman and I hope she has found her own happiness - she deserves that!

[@tenfoldvictory324]

This mom has a beautiful spirit.

[@fellowcitizen]

Thank you, I love this. This spanned so many points of interest. The Russian oral practice of American cinema was fascinating. I felt like the final character/relationship was glossed over a little too much, though. I worry about Russia, and I worry about America. Where can I see more of these lives, individuals and topics? I wish the potato family well.

[@edwardburns5995]

Beautiful story such a strong kind woman, a real mother, I am so happy for them, and also inspired by there open minded loveing relationship what a mom.

[@jimjefftube]

What a wonderful Mom! May God Bless both of you and welcome to America!

[@sabymarie1116]

The mother and son relationship is so heartwarming

[@roman6135]

I love the Mom, Bless her!

[@deviler151]

This story was a rollercoaster. Wow.

[@Kimberly-yt6nn]

Wow. What an amazing and loving mother. I'm so happy they have a better future here in America.

[@kimberlyk2530]

She's a great mom! ❤️💛💚💙💜♥️

[@nizamzakaria]

Make a movie out this beautiful story!!!

[@knutdergroe9757]

No, Trust me. They would make huge mess of it.

[@girlfromthed7887]

Everyone needs to find their happy ending, this was very inspiring. What beautiful people! 💜

[@moua0067]

What an unexpectedly lovely story. Grit, resilience, humor, honesty, love. Thank you for sharing.

[@octizombie]

The world needs more people like her.

[@iamjustamomdoingthebestica6999]

Demonizing NATURE needs to stop. That "man" was angry at HIMSELF for being what he was. I'm glad this woman was there for both her son and Janice.

[@lifeastride]

What an amazing woman! I have goosebumps 💓

[@TheRickStarZ]

Amazing story. Better than every Hollywood movie now a days

[@olivianicoloff2998]

so much respect and love for these two. that's one incredible mama.

[@matthewmann8951]

Everyone isn't like this man, there are a lot good people that would not want to hurt someone like that. Glad to have you here in the U S A no one should have to endure those kinds of hardships for being your self. God bless peace my brothers, sisters.

[@trint3089]

My heart breaks. I love her.

[@sunnylilme]

This is what all mothers should aspire to be.

[@purdygirlxo]

I LOVED this story!!..The best people...everyone needs a mom like Potato has💗