Zola

A24 | Release Date: June 30, 2021

6.2	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 65 Ratings

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zembowerboyAug 4, 2021

The savagely abrupt ending leaves much to be desired, and it may not add up to much, but Zola rises on the strength of its cast, especially Riley Keough, Taylor Paige, and Nicholas "Gregg the Egg" Braun. At times hilarious, only to take hardThe savagely abrupt ending leaves much to be desired, and it may not add up to much, but Zola rises on the strength of its cast, especially Riley Keough, Taylor Paige, and Nicholas "Gregg the Egg" Braun. At times hilarious, only to take hard turns into some rather dark territory. Zola is fun, a bit dirty, a bit depressing, but thankfully never exploitative or smutty despite its content. Definitely worth a watch at home on a hot summer's day with lots of weed.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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LatinCritic13Jul 13, 2021

What is a single word to describe Zola? Dazzling. Believe it or not, it's equally good as American Honey and Hustlers in a way that explores freedom and revelation. The cinematography by The Girlfriend Experience's Ari Wegner is a beauty thatWhat is a single word to describe Zola? Dazzling. Believe it or not, it's equally good as American Honey and Hustlers in a way that explores freedom and revelation. The cinematography by The Girlfriend Experience's Ari Wegner is a beauty that can't be slept on as Riley Keough and first timer Taylour Paige shines throughout this biopic that inspired a series of tweets that made Twitter talk in 2015.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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zmgalen2000Jul 1, 2021

"Zola" is one of those movies whose technical execution is absolutely brilliant. From a directorial standpoint, certain choices of this film are captivating and unique, with all of these scenes being heightened by truly strong acting."Zola" is one of those movies whose technical execution is absolutely brilliant. From a directorial standpoint, certain choices of this film are captivating and unique, with all of these scenes being heightened by truly strong acting. However, this movie' potential is cut short by its storyline. It truly reels you in and immerses you into a retro-style contemporary world, and just as you start to think, "Hey! We're really going somewhere now," it sort of just tapers off and ends, leaving plot holes and general dissatisfaction at its conclusion.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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marvfoleyJul 8, 2021

Well-acted, creatively filmed, with a great use of music. I was fascinated by the relationship and the effective weilding of sex and business between two smart women trying to rise above and escape their circumstances.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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bertobellamyApr 22, 2022

'Uncut Gems' but with strippers. 'Zola' is stressful as the Safdie brothers film; maybe not as impactful, but still very entertaining.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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Stream2BigScreeJul 5, 2021

Typically, movies are adapted from novels, plays and even news articles, but can a Twitter thread really be developed into a compelling film? When the story is as outrageous as the tweetstorm that A'Ziah "Zola" King posted about 5 years ago,Typically, movies are adapted from novels, plays and even news articles, but can a Twitter thread really be developed into a compelling film? When the story is as outrageous as the tweetstorm that A'Ziah "Zola" King posted about 5 years ago, then it is worth an try. Recently released in theaters, Zola is the successful adaptation by Janicza Bravo and Jeremy O. Harris of that infamous Twitter thread. Bravo directs the film and co-wrote the screenplay with Harris and infused it with all the suspense and humor that King's original tweets had while adding in some social commentary. Here's how it goes.

While billed as part comedy, Zola is a cautionary tale about taking "hoe trips" with a person you barely know. Zola (Taylour Paige) meets Stefani (Riley Keough) at her day job at a Hooters-type restaurant and they become fast friends - too fast. The next day, Stefani invites Zola on a weekend trip to Florida with her "roommate" (Colman Domingo) and her boyfriend (Nicholas Braun) to earn some easy cash by dancing at a nightclub. As the trip begins, Zola begins to realize that she doesn't know Stefani as well as she should now that she's 20 hours from home. Things get messy, crazy and dangerous with every turn of events. Zola definitely never heard that important bit of advice: never go to a second location.

At less than 90 minutes, Bravo has directed a very tight film that keeps the energy, entertainment, and suspense at a high level. Each new scene escalates the potential danger and dread that comes with this trip. Bravo and Harris have been able to maintain King's voice throughout the film. It's like she's reading her tweets and it just materializes on screen. They have added to the soundtrack that iconic Twitter message sound that corresponds to direct quotes from the source material. Although we know that some things have been changed to adapt for the screen, it all still feels as urgent, dangerous and outrageous as it must have when it occurred. The film itself moves at a great clip and never loses your attention, but the only problem with it is that the ending feels rushed and unresolved.

I have to mention the outstanding cast. Most people will note what a character Stefani is and how Riley Keough embodies her. She has that accent and looks the part of the appropriative try-hard. She so wants to ingratiate herself with Zola and you know she's trustworthy. Keough changes her eyes and voice trying to gain sympathy, but you know she's up to no good. Taylour Paige is a fantastic anchor for the film. Paige gets to be annoyed, fed-up and self-assured while dealing with this terrifying situation. The looks that Paige's Zola shoots at Stefani are deadly. Colman Domingo and Nicholas Braun round out the core ensemble, and both are great. Braun brings most of the humor while Domingo gets to be menacing. All of these actors work well together and make the film an enjoyable ride.

Ultimately, whether you've read the Twitter thread or not, Zola is a worthwhile adventure to the movies. It has suspense and humor. There are great performances and clever commentary on society, friendship and trust. Be careful who you take your "hoe trips" with - make sure to get a big box of popcorn for this one.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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davemelbourne58Jul 4, 2021

Zola tells an interesting "cautionary" tale between 2 young ladies trying to get by. Like Mom always says "If the deal looks to good to be true, it probably is. Watching this movie made me very sad. I'm glad I don't have a young daughter.Zola tells an interesting "cautionary" tale between 2 young ladies trying to get by. Like Mom always says "If the deal looks to good to be true, it probably is. Watching this movie made me very sad. I'm glad I don't have a young daughter. After watching Zola, I kept singing to myself that old 3 Dog Night son: "Mama Told Me Not to Come." Great lead performances and cast. Glad Zola escaped with most of her dignity intact.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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marcmyworksJul 27, 2021

Zola is a strangely real and anxiety driven film with an original premise. Strangely fitting for 2021, having an entire film based on a series of tweets from a chaotic weekend.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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Brent_MarchantDec 21, 2021

While not everything flows as smoothly as it could in this daffy, edgy, fact-based road trip comedy derived from the contents of a protracted Twitter feed, the parts that do are hilariously ingenious, delivered with punctuated one-liners,While not everything flows as smoothly as it could in this daffy, edgy, fact-based road trip comedy derived from the contents of a protracted Twitter feed, the parts that do are hilariously ingenious, delivered with punctuated one-liners, snappy writing and inventive, inspired editing. Director Janicza Bravo's unflinching dive into the depraved world of an exotic dancer who doubles as a sex worker and routinely attempts to rope unwitting colleagues into her world of erotic escapades with a parade of deplorable clients shines a bright light on the unabashedly sleazy side of American culture and the social media/website operations gleefully pandering to those seething desires. The film seldom holds much back, so sensitive viewers should beware of what they might be getting themselves into, but, given the brilliance of the humor associated with such antics, it's difficult to maintain a prudish facade in the face of the wackiness served up. To be sure, there are some segments that seem to meander a bit, and it's not always clear exactly how some events connect, but, considering that the truth is often stranger than fiction, it's understandable how that might come into play here. The bottom line is that, if you're up for a polished raunchy romp, this is your film in all its tawdry glory.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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RichardSayreSep 30, 2021

@ZOLA is a wild road trip to Hell, also known as Florida, full of deranged characters left and right, and a great score to go along with it. This movie drips with A24 aesthetic, and that's honestly the only way I know to describe it. Chock@ZOLA is a wild road trip to Hell, also known as Florida, full of deranged characters left and right, and a great score to go along with it. This movie drips with A24 aesthetic, and that's honestly the only way I know to describe it. Chock full of great camera work, cinematograper Ari Wegner nails the indie vibe. This movie is so much my **** and I loved it. One of the best films of 2021.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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r96skJul 11, 2022

Different, but I actually liked it.

'Zola' takes a few scenes to get into it and to get used to the stylistic choices, namely with the editing and dialogue, though by the end I did in fact enjoy this film. It's a bonkers story, one that IDifferent, but I actually liked it.

'Zola' takes a few scenes to get into it and to get used to the stylistic choices, namely with the editing and dialogue, though by the end I did in fact enjoy this film. It's a bonkers story, one that I semi heard about when it became known that a film was going to be made based on a thread of tweets.

It's probably much better than it was any right to be in truth, all things considered, but the filmmakers made it work and deserve credit for that - and also for the astutely chosen short run time, too.

The acting talent bring noteworthy performances, with particularly Taylour Paige and also Riley Keough putting in the work. Colman Domingo is also good - I already like that guy from TV's 'Fear the Walking Dead', so it's always a pleasure to see him act elsewhere.

Recommended.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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ChanekeCholoDec 16, 2021

Its style is unique in every single way, both script and staging. It's a film that handles the cuteness with the seduction and achieves a strange balance that generates an attraction quiet interesting.
The performances were great and veryIts style is unique in every single way, both script and staging. It's a film that handles the cuteness with the seduction and achieves a strange balance that generates an attraction quiet interesting.
The performances were great and very gripping in their role. I always wonder, how will be the life of the people who are traveled in any highway, in someway, Zola is an example of that, considering that this film is based on a chain of tweets and that is both hilarious and dangerous.
I don't think that this film has any defect, but I considered that is not a rating 10 film.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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