Nicola Peltz’s directorial debut film “Lola” has been met with harsh criticism from both critics and viewers alike, with many labeling it as a ‘vanity project’. The heiress, who wrote, directed, and starred in the film, portrays the title character, a teenage girl working to save herself and her younger brother from their toxic home. The film delves into themes such as drug abuse, poverty, sex work, and teenage pregnancy, which have been criticized for being stereotypical and melodramatic.
Critics have described “Lola” as a glorified commercial for Nicola Peltz and accused the film of being ‘poverty porn’, exploiting poverty for entertainment value. Reviews from In Review Online and The Guardian have criticized the film for lacking depth in its characterization and storytelling, with one critic describing it as a laughably oblique portrayal of hardship. The disconnect between Peltz’s background of privilege and the film’s portrayal of poverty has also been highlighted as a jarring aspect of the project.
Despite the backlash, Nicola Peltz defended her decision to cast herself as a struggling teenage stripper, stating that she wanted to explore different perspectives through her acting. Critics and viewers have criticized Peltz for using her elite background to get her film made, with some pointing out her connections to Quincy Jones, who helped with the film’s soundtrack. The actress has faced backlash for her portrayal of poverty and struggles, with many viewers feeling that she failed to grasp the reality of the world she was trying to depict.
Critics have panned “Lola” for its melodramatic storytelling and lack of character development, with some likening it to an afterschool special. The film has been criticized for its reliance on dramatic tropes and flashy visuals over substantial plotting and character depth. Some viewers have described the film as forgettable and lackluster, criticizing Peltz’s dead-eyed acting and the film’s focus on her appearance over substance.
Overall, “Lola” has faced criticism for its portrayal of poverty and struggles, with critics and viewers alike finding fault in its execution and storytelling. Nicola Peltz’s background of privilege and connections have also come under scrutiny, raising questions about the authenticity of the film’s representation of hardship. Despite Peltz’s intentions to explore different perspectives, “Lola” has been deemed by many as a failed attempt at depicting a world far removed from her own experiences.
