Netflix added the Colman Domingo and Riley Keough-starred crime comedy today. As the first movie ever made based on a viral social media post, the drama holds an 88% Tomatometer score and a 68% Popcornmeter rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Janicza Bravo’s critically acclaimed Zola arrives on Netflix today. The movie is based on A’Ziah “Zola” King’s viral 148-tweet thread. A24 secured the movie rights to the original viral story in 2016 and fully financed and produced the film alongside Ramona Films.
The movie was released in 2021. Zola (played by Taylour Paige) meets Stefani (Riley Keough) while waitressing, and the two instantly bond over pole dancing. Stefani invites Zola on a trip down South, promising they can make thousands of dollars in just a few hours dancing in strip clubs.
However, what initially appeared to be a simple payday quickly transformed into a thrilling adventure, as A24 aptly described it: “See it to believe it. Netflix accurately categorizes the film as a comedy, an independent movie, a crime movie, and a fast-paced buddy comedy.
According to reviews, Zola perfectly captures the chaotic road trip as narrated by A’Ziah “Zola” King. They praise Colman Domingo’s and Riley Keough’s performances and Janicza Bravo’s direction. However, critics have a different opinion about the writing.
Taylour Paige anchors the film as the titular character, Zola, along with Colman Domingo, Riley Keough, and Nicholas Braun.
Janicza Bravo co-wrote the screenplay alongside playwright Jeremy O. Harris. The technical team consists of director of photography Ari Wegner, editor Joi McMillon, composer Mica Levi, music supervisor Nesta Cooper, production designer Katie Byron, and costume designer Derica Cole Washington. The film was produced by Kara Baker, Dave Franco, Elizabeth Haggard, David Hinojosa, Vince Jolivette, and Christine Vachon.
