#SUNDANCE: “ZOLA”

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

ZOLA  brings the unique Tweet-Storm story A’ziah King posted on October 27, 2015 about how her and her friend Stefani had a falling-out.

Writer-Director Janicza Bravo visually brings the Twitter Story to screen in a creative and captivating way. The true life story is filled with crazy, unexpected twists and eccentric real-life characters. Bravo has an impeccable attention to detail and keeps the provocative aspects of the story without ever being grotesque. Although the story is predominately told through A’ziah King’s point-of-view, Bravo does her best to question the perspectives of both her and Stefani.

The story is hilarious and Bravo makes sure the audience laughs, however, there are heavy themes and questions she presents. It’s clear that things can all be fun and games until they aren’t. And Bravo balances these hysterical moments with the hard-hitting serious reality of the things these two girls were experiencing. Her entire Cast consisting of Taylour Paige, Riley Keough, Nicholas Braun and Colman Domingo cleverly and masterfully teeter between her Comedy and Drama. Yet, it’s the brilliant, energetic performances from Paige and Keough that keep the audiences wanting more.

Zola screens at Sundance on Fri, Jan. 24th at 12:15 PM at Eccles, Sat, Jan. 25th at 12:15 PM at Grand, Sat, Jan. 25th at 11:45 PM at Egyptian, Mon, Jan. 27th at 3 PM at Sundance Resort, Tues, Jan. 28th at 9:30 PM at The Ray, Wed, Jan. 29th at 11:45 AM at The Ray, and Fri, Jan. 31st at 8:30 AM at The MARC.