Zola

Explicit content warning

03/10/25 • 88 min

In October 2015, Aziah “Zola” King posted a 148 tweet Twitter thread that took the world by storm. #TheStory trended worldwide and became the inspiration for Janicza Bravo’s second feature film Zola (2020), staring Taylour Paige, Riley Keough, Colman Domingo, and Nicholas Braun. Listen as we break down everything from the stalled production, exactly what went down that fateful March 2015 weekend in Tampa, and what happened to Zola and “Z” in the years to follow.
Primary Sources:
Rolling Stone (2015)
Washington Post (2015)
Complex (2015)
Kolo News (2017)
Don’t Die Wondering (2021)
Vulture (2021)
If you or someone you know is a victim of sex trafficking, help is available.
Polaris Project
National Human Trafficking Hotline
Department of Justice

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Previous Episode

Chapter 27

On December 9, 1980, Mark David Chapman assassinated one of the most famous musicians to ever live, John Lennon. Nearly 30 years later, director Jarrett Schaefer cast Jared Leto to portray Chapman’s life during the three days leading up to the murder in Chapter 27 (2007). This week, we unpack the controversy behind the movie, Leto’s preparation for the role, and learn just how accurately it captured Chapman’s movements, thoughts, and mental state. Complete with a rundown on Chapman’s entire life, there is bound to be something that will intrigue every listener.
Primary Sources:
Jones, Jack. Let Me Take You Down: Inside the Mind of Mark David Chapman, the Man who Killed John Lennon. Villard Books (1992).
Washington Post (1983)
NY Times (2017)

Next Episode

House of Gucci

In this episode, we break down Ridley Scott’s star-studded biographical crime drama House of Gucci (2021). How accurately does the movie portray the rise and fall of the Gucci empire? What really happened between Patrizia Reggiani and Maurizio Gucci? We’ll separate fact from fiction, explore the real-life events, and discuss the biggest differences between Hollywood’s version and history. Tune in for a deep dive into the scandal, betrayal, and power struggles that rocked one of fashion’s most legendary families.

Primary Source:

Forden, Sara. The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed. Mariner Books (2001).

Criminal Adaptations - Zola

Transcript

Ashley00:00:14.159

Welcome to Criminal Adaptations , the show where we take a look at some of your favorite movies and the true crime stories that inspired them . I'm Ashley . I'm a clinical psychologist and forensic evaluator in the state of Oregon .

Remi00:00:27.390

And I'm Remy . I spent over a decade working in the film and television industry in Los Angeles , California . <