Lola

Lola James works as an exotic dancer at night and a grocer by day, juggling two jobs to save money. Her dream is to move herself and her nine-year-old brother Arlo to Texas so Arlo can attend a creative kids' art school. She keeps pushing through the chaos of their toxic home while hoping for a safer future.

One night Lola and Arlo witness their mother Mona being physically abusive toward Arlo. Lola chooses to leave the volatile home and stays with her coworker Babina and Babina's mother Pearl for safety. The incident marks the start of Lola's fight to protect Arlo and stabilize their lives.

Lola is fired from her grocery job after a coworker reports shoplifting. The loss of income jeopardizes her plan to save for moving to Texas with Arlo. She clings to the remaining hope of making enough money to rebuild their lives.

That night, Lola returns to Mona's house to fetch their dog Mikey and is raped by Trick, Mona’s boyfriend. The assault deepens Lola's trauma and fear, leaving her more isolated and vulnerable. The event reinforces the dysfunctional grip Mona and Trick hold over Lola and Arlo.

Mona discovers where Arlo is being kept and insists on taking him back, defiantly overriding Lola's wishes. The confrontation underscores the power struggle within the family and Mona's controlling role over Arlo. Lola's trust in Mona erodes further.

That same night, Mona cuts Arlo's long hair in fear he might be transgender. Distressed, Arlo runs away and is struck by a car, dying on the street. Lola is left devastated and begins spiraling deeper into grief and addiction.

Crushed by Arlo's death, Lola dives further into cocaine and self-destructive behavior. She begs her ex-boyfriend Malachi for drugs, but he refuses. A pregnancy test reveals she is carrying Trick's child, prompting her to consider keeping the baby and pursuing recovery.

The next day Malachi drives Lola to an addict support group meeting, signaling a step toward sobriety. Lola resolves to stay clean for the baby's sake, even as cravings threaten her. The group becomes a space for sharing her burden and seeking support.

As Lola's pregnancy becomes visible, coworkers at the strip club show admiration for her resolve to keep the baby. Babina helps by researching motherhood and nudging Lola toward getting her job back. Lola also tells Mona the father's identity at the pharmacy, much to Mona's dismay.

During six months of pregnancy, Lola shares her story at her final support group meeting. Babina drives her to the bus station to start a new life away from the toxic home, and they share a tearful goodbye. The moment marks a hopeful turning point, even as the road ahead remains uncertain.

Years later, Lola is seen at a carnival enjoying time with her daughter and Malachi, suggesting she carved out a fragile sense of normalcy after a long, painful journey. The reunion hints at growth and resilience born from difficult choices. The memory of Arlo lingers as part of her past and future.