Zola

Zola has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available in Australia on Stan, and in the US on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. Its 6/10 TMDB score, built from 285 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Taylour Paige sets the tone, and the rest of the cast matches it scene for scene. Put it on tonight on Stan and see for yourself.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Zola is worth clearing space for. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Zola from the crowd. A waitress agrees to accompany an exotic dancer, her put-upon boyfriend, and her mysterious and domineering roommate on a road trip to Florida to seek their fortune at a high-end strip club. Taylour Paige and Riley Keough lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2021. What keeps Zola from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, Zola respects your intelligence. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. Taylour Paige is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.