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@zola

Name: @zola
Director: Janicza Bravo
Genre: Comedy, Crime/detective, Drama, Action
Released: 2020
Duration: 1 h 26 min
Cast: Taylour Paige, Riley Keough, Colman Domingo, Nicholas Braun

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Comedy
Crime/detective

2020
Janicza Bravo
86 mins
18

Summary

Black comedy drama based on a true story, starring Taylour Paige and Riley Keough. Zola, a Detroit waitress who works part-time as a stripper, befriends fellow dancer Stefani, who invites her along to a supposedly lucrative job in Florida. However, after arriving in Tampa, things take a turn for the chaotic when Zola discovers that she and Stefani are being pimped out for sex.

IMDB

Review

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Emma Simmonds

A falling-out between fast friends is the subject of this provocative black comedy drama from director Janicza Bravo (who also co-wrote, with Jeremy O Harris) that perfectly epitomises the way social media can bleed into and take over lives. It's no surprise that it smacks of the truth, given that it's based on a viral Twitter thread by A'Ziah "Zola" King and the ensuing Rolling Stone article. A mesmerising Taylour Paige plays the titular African-American protagonist, while Riley Keough is on fire as her new white pal, fellow stripper and soon-to-be adversary Stefani. The pair head to Florida at Stefani's suggestion when she insists there is serious money to be made dancing at the clubs there. Accompanying them are a shady older gentleman (Colman Domingo) and Stefani's embarrassing boyfriend (Succession's Nicholas Braun), a skinny white guy who shamelessly appropriates Black culture. Farcical, edgy and fun, with its obsession with outsiders and fluid, sun-kissed cinematography, @zola seems inspired by the films of Sean Baker (Tangerine, The Florida Project), though its playful graphics and castrating humour distinguish it. As Bravo strikingly captures the glamour, grossness and absurdity of the scenario, alongside moments of palpable danger, @zola is as aware of the women's physical vulnerability as their powerful sexuality - but it's far more interested in throwing shade than preaching.

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6.4/10