Zola
NZ release: 28 October 2021
Violence, nudity, sex scenes and offensive language Rated on: 28 October 2021
What's it about?
Zola is a comedy-drama film based on true events and inspired by an infamous Twitter thread. Zola, a Detroit waitress, strikes up a new friendship with a customer, Stefani, and the two immediately bond over pole dancing. Only a day after the young women exchange numbers, Stefani convinces Zola to join her for a weekend of dancing and partying in Florida, where the goal is to make as much money as possible dancing in strip clubs. What at first seems like a glamorous trip rapidly transforms into a 48-hour journey full of unexpected adventures.
What to expect
Zola is a comedic and cautionary tale about the perils of fast friendship and premature trust. It also makes a statement on the sex industry. The sexual material is frank and adult in nature, showcasing sex work as a risky but lucrative enterprise. It may lead children and younger teens to regard the conduct as normal, with a negative effect on their attitudes and understanding of adult sexual relationships and behaviours. The close-ups of sexualised nudity are likely to shock children. The realistic depictions of violence are also likely to shock and disturb children and young teens. Although the violence is not extensive, it is trivialised, and this is likely to have a desensitising effect on younger viewers.
