'Zola' is a Modern Black Fairytale
It’s fun, it’s energetic, but it’s also understated and vicarial. Zola is a modern black fairytale and future of black movies.

Tom Cashman's third stand up special, which may or may not include the formula for happiness. Toured in 2025 as '2 Truths, 1 Lie and 17 Slight Exaggerations' and filmed at the Brisbane Powerhouse on 31 October 2025.
It’s fun, it’s energetic, but it’s also understated and vicarial. Zola is a modern black fairytale and future of black movies.
The film centers around two young women, Becca and Sam, who were once high school sweethearts until they reconnect in their town.
This inspiring true story falls nothing short of filling the audience with a passion to strive for their wildest dreams.
As noted in the headline, I didn’t like this movie. Not to say it’s the worst thing ever, but it’s just…meh. Nothing much to it. Very generic. No surprises. At the very least, the cast is diverse so I’ll give it that.
We have a long way to go with LGBT representation in film, especially when it comes to LGBT characters of color and trans characters.
Mahavatar Narsimha (2025) brings the epic tale of Hiranyakashipu to life with stunning animation, intense action, and a bold retelling of this timeless mythological drama.