"Zola" is a must-see

Spend some time in batshit insane Florida this weekend. Writer/Director Janicza Bravo's stripper comedy Zola (co-written by Tony-nominated playwright Jeremy O. Harris) which was a major Sundance hit way back in January 2020 before the pandemic, is finally in theaters. It was worth the wait. Murtada raved about it last year...

Zola is the first film to get how social media interactions have shaped the way people talk to each other IRL. How many times have you said "LOL" to someone’s face? Admit it, many times. Bravo and Harris manage the find the right speech cadences for that sort of phone jargon. Then, Bravo masterfully realizes them visually so that they are seamless. [Read the full review] 

It's a great and wild time at the movies headlined by fast-rising wonder Taylour Paige (so fun as Viola's girl in Ma Rainey last season) in a nimble deadpan funny star turn. She had me in stitches with a one word line reading "...word" early on in this weekend misadventure before the gallows-humor comedy rubbernecks around its rather serious and frightening sex-trafficking elements. She and the underappreciated Riley Keough are both expert at keeping their performances both real and "in quotes" for the different points of view and emotional facades the women wear to survive. 

Comments

[Bushwick]

I read this Twitter thread in real time. I’m excited two tremendous performers are bringing it to life. I’m catching it on the big screen tomorrow.

[Ryan T.]

Paige's facial journey when the guy at the strip club said she reminder him of Whoopi Goldberg = awards worthy.

Anyways, I only read the twitter thread AFTER I saw the movie and I was pleasantly surprised at how fateful and well-done the adaptation was. I only wished they hadn't tweaked the ending too much. But agree... a fun time. The actors are all doing their ALL.

[/3rtful]

I loved it. A genuine must-see theatrical experince.

[Abe]

I hated this when I saw it at Sundance but I can tell I'm in the minority.

[James from Ames]

I'm with Abe in that I wasn't a fan. Didn't hate it, but the whole thing was rather flat. I purposely avoided reading the Twitter thread to avoid spoilers, but the story ended up being exactly what I expected. Riley Keough was good, though.

[Ping]

Best writing on Zola i've read, so thanks to Nathaniel I'll give it a go!

[mikenewq]

Gosh I cannot wait for this. I remember passing the link around the office back when it happened! Will be telling my grandkids about this lol

[martin]

Riley Keuogh is so on my books since her impressive first (monologue) scene in the rather mediocre Hold The Dark - loved her in American Honey ... she is very raw, real and special - someone to watch out for !!!!

[Lolli Pop]

I believe we get to see a lot of cock in this movie. Am I misiformed?

[NATHANIEL R]

Lolli -- you are not misinformed but if you're after titillation, these are not the cock shots you're looking for ;)

[Hamish Bock]

The best of Zola I`ve ever read - thanks!