Zola
Director: Janicza Bravo
Actors: Taylour Paige, Riley Keough, Nicholas Braun
PlotZola, a waitress and part-time stripper in Detroit, quickly becomes friends with Stefani, an outgoing and enigmatic fellow dancer. Stefani invites Zola on a weekend trip to Tampa, promising easy money through dancing at high-end clubs. Hoping for a fun adventure and lucrative earnings, Zola reluctantly agrees and joins her new friend, Stefani's meek boyfriend Derrek, and the intimidating driver known only as X. As they drive down to Florida, the journey begins to take unexpected turns. Zola's initial excitement is dampened by a growing unease as she realizes that the trip has far more layers and undisclosed motives than Stefani had initially revealed.
As they arrive in Tampa, Zola is thrown into a chaotic world that spirals into danger and exploitation. Used as pawns in a high-stakes game of deceit and manipulation, Zola finds herself grappling with her own ethical boundaries while trying to maintain her safety and preserve her autonomy. What started as a lighthearted weekend escapade becomes a harrowing test of resilience when Zola recognizes the seriousness of her predicament. Feeling trapped and desperate to get out of a convoluted mess that extends beyond her control, she's forced to navigate an underworld filled with unexpected threats and dubious alliances. The twists in the tale lay bare the disparity between intention and reality in a story harvesting the dark side of friendship and trust.
Writers: Janicza Bravo, Jeremy O. Harris, A'Ziah King
Release Date: 30 Jun 2021
Runtime: 86 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
Zola offers a unique, raucous journey with solid technical merits, recommended for those who appreciate bold storytelling and dynamic visuals.
Read our review of Zola Blu-ray @Zola to find out more