Nicola Peltz Beckham’s indie film “Lola” about a teen living in poverty has been criticized by reviewers, with some calling it “poverty porn.” Peltz Beckham, the daughter of billionaire Nelson Peltz and married to Brooklyn Beckham, wrote, directed, and stars in the film, which follows a 19-year-old girl named Lola James who works at a drugstore and strip club to try to support herself and her younger brother. Despite her own wealthy upbringing, Peltz Beckham was inspired to tell this story from a perspective different from her own.
Peltz Beckham, known for her roles in “Transformers: Age of Extinction” and “Bates Motel,” worked on the script for “Lola” for six years and drew inspiration from real-life experiences. The character of Arlo is based on her godson, while Lola’s best friend Babina is inspired by her friend Angela. Peltz Beckham’s brother, Will Peltz, also has a role in the film, while her husband, Brooklyn Beckham, was cut from the movie after struggling with his lines. The movie was released in limited theaters in February and has sparked renewed discussion after receiving harsh reviews for its portrayal of poverty and exploitation.
Critics have pointed out the disconnect between Peltz Beckham’s background of privilege and the subject matter of the film, which has led to accusations of “poverty porn” and exploitation. Reviewers have criticized the film for relying on harmful stereotypes and tropes, including the representation of sex work and queer suffering. Some have questioned the authenticity of Peltz Beckham’s portrayal of a character living in poverty, noting the conceptual challenges of a wealthy filmmaker tackling such heavy subject matter.
Despite the negative reviews, some critics have praised the visual design of “Lola” while criticizing its poorly scripted and melodramatic storyline. Peltz Beckham herself has acknowledged the differences between her own life and that of her character, stating that she did not grow up in similar circumstances but was still drawn to telling Lola’s story. The film’s distributor, Vertical Entertainment, has not responded to requests for comment on the criticism surrounding the movie. As the controversy continues to swirl around “Lola,” it remains to be seen how Peltz Beckham will navigate the backlash and respond to the accusations of insensitivity and exploitation in her directorial debut.
