While social media definitely has its advantages, it also has its disadvantages. The internet has opened up doors we couldn't even imagine when we started this podcast five years ago. Some of the guests that now make frequent appearances in our content have become friends and frequent collaborators. Creators like Geek Devotions, The Ghouls Next Door, and Feelin Film have delivered to us some of our staff, and, incidentally, offered us some of the best individuals I have ever come to know as well. There are other creators who have successfully helped connect us with other creators, who have also become guests on the show. 

Kelly, from Boobies N Noobies, connected us with Lucy Eden - Ms. Eden is a romance author who recently appeared on our episode on The Photograph, while the aforementioned Ghouls Next Door connected us with Black Women are Scary for our Spiral episode. Both are creators you haven't heard the last from as far as we’re concerned. While we use our social media to connect with people and craft a safe space for the mental health of creators, staff, and listeners alike, not everyone uses it that way. Social media can definitely have its perks, but that's not to say it isn't without its dark corners. Portions of the online community have sparked stories of assisted suicide, toxic fandoms, and strippers doubling as con artists. 

That last item created a few stories from artists that are legitimately straight up bizarre. One of these saw the silver screen, and even took some shots at the coveted Oscars, in Hustlers. But with this film, we enter into an equally bizarre story that finds its source on both Twitter and Reddit: A24’s Zola. The film depicts the events that took place over a fall weekend in 2015 in which a stripper turned waitress, Zola (Taylour Paige), took a road trip with new found friend Stephanie (Riley Keough). The road trip was intended to be a chance to dance for money but ended up being so much more than Zola bargained for. One of the things that I have to say I respect immensely about this movie is its raw honesty. The film displays how hard it is for individuals to get out of the sex trafficking world.

It takes this approach in literally every aspect of its narrative. Zola leaves nothing on the table. The story is gripping and the performances are riveting. Keough gives a transformative performance. Her performance is equal parts tragically vulnerable and immensely heartbreaking in the same breath. On the other side of that tragedy lies Paige, in a performance that makes Zola a compelling character. Her conviction is powerful. The power is rooted in a great performance that, much like her co-star Keough, is transformative. The heartbeat of the movie remains this relationship between Paige and Keough. Their characters are magnificently juxtaposed, resulting in a drama that is as fascinating as it is uncomfortable in certain parts.

The thing about art, especially art from true life, is that it can be uncomfortable. As I’ve previously mentioned, Zola is unrelenting in its honesty about the lives of some sex workers. I’ve known some individuals that have been on the frontlines of stories like Stephanie’s. Some of you might watch this movie and not be phased by the film’s second and third acts. Performances like Keough, Paige, and Colman Domingo mesmerize audiences by crafting an incredibly hostile environment. Domingo, in particular, is a stunning antagonist. Along with his co-stars he goes to prove no performance is wasted in Zola. 

The pacing of the film helps solidify its more uncomfortable moments. Zola grips you from its dazzling opening and doesn’t stop until its heartbreaking end. The cinematography is one of the reasons this film is so captivating. The warm glow of each frame gives the film a timeless quality that we rarely see in cinema nowadays. Ari Wenger does a fantastic job as the film’s cinematographer. Not to be outdone is co-writer and director Janciza Bravo; Bravo helps create an environment that, even in the moments where the fourth wall is broken, still feels like a documentary, giving the audience that extra layer of gripping story and simultaneous authenticity. For only being her second film, Zola has all the hallmarks of a seasoned veteran, making Bravo a name to keep your eyes peeled for moving into the future.

Overall, Zola captivates but fails to light a fire. Rather it is a spark that entertains for its runtime but is quickly forgettable - which is sad to say, because the film is utterly gripping, filled with astonishing performances and jaw-dropping cinematography. It is a brutally honest film that is not for the faint of heart. It is an unnerving thrill a minute film that doesn’t miss a beat. Zola is a bizarre biopic that doesn’t quite capture the magic of the gruesome details.         

RORSCHACH RATING:

Mental Health Moment: The cast of Zola is relatively small. I’ve addressed its three main actors, but there is one character who I will leave unnamed for the sake of spoilers. This character is the tragic undertone of the film right alongside its sex trafficking subplot. This character attempts to take his own life following a series of tragic events. Other characters surrounding him are calling his bluff and even egging him on in certain aspects. 

It doesn’t matter if you think someone is doing it for attention or not. When someone says they want to die or take their life, it is all hands on deck. Let us get you the resources you need. Let us listen to you when you speak. Perhaps, much like the film’s character, you need to remove yourself from those friends and that environment. Sometimes a change of scenery goes a long way. Remember that the next time someone mentions suicide. Always take someone at their word. A cry for help is just that.

If you or someone you know is reading this right now and struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message, or tweet at us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!

Victims and Villains is written (and produced) by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey and others, and edited by Cam Smith. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. Zola is property of A24. We do not own nor claim any rights.

You can now support us on Patreon. Help us get mental health resources into schools and get exclusive content at the same time. Click here to join today!