Lola

Lola James works as an exotic dancer by night and a grocer by morning, driven to save money to move her and her younger brother Arlo to Texas for an art-focused life. She juggles two demanding jobs while worrying about the toxic home they survive in. Her plan hinges on building a safer future for Arlo.

Mona is Lola and Arlo's mother, an overly religious narcissist who abuses Arlo. She is homophobic and disapproves of Arlo's interest in makeup and fluidity. The toxic environment intensifies the siblings' struggle.

After a night when Lola witnesses her mother physically assault Arlo, she packs their bags and seeks refuge with Babina and Pearl. They offer temporary safety and support away from Mona's home. Lola hopes this shift will allow her to save money and plan a move for Arlo.

Lola is fired from her job after a coworker reports shoplifting. The loss of income jeopardizes her plan to move and leaves her more exposed to danger. She must face consequences without the support of her workplace.

Lola returns to Mona's house to retrieve their dog Mikey and is raped by Trick, Mona's boyfriend. The assault happens in Mona's home environment, adding trauma to Lola and Arlo's already fraught situation. The event further destabilizes Lola's already fragile life.

Mona learns where Arlo is being kept and comes back for him, disregarding Lola's wishes. The pursuit reopens wounds and heightens the danger around Arlo. The moment marks a turning point in the siblings' fates.

Mona cuts off Arlo's long hair to prevent him from being seen as transgender. Arlo runs away in fear, is struck by a car, and dies. Lola's world collapses as Mona blames her for the death, deepening her guilt and anger.

Lola's grief drives her deeper into cocaine addiction; she begs Malachi for more drugs and breaks down when he refuses. The sense of loss is overwhelming as she spirals further from stability. She grows sicker and more isolated as her due date approaches.

Lola takes a pregnancy test and learns she is pregnant with Trick's child. She decides to keep the baby and promises Babina that she will stay clean for the child's sake. The revelation adds a new obligation to her struggle for a better life.

Malachi drives Lola to an addict support group meeting the day after the test. She commits to getting help while managing the realities of her pregnancy. The meeting provides a glimmer of hope amid her turmoil.

As Lola's pregnancy becomes visible, coworkers at the strip club show admiration for her resolve. Babina supports her by reading about having a child and encouraging Lola to reclaim her job. The network around Lola begins to stabilize her fragile situation.

Lola runs into Mona at the pharmacy where she works and reveals who the father is. Mona responds with dismay and anger, complicating their already strained relationship. The confrontation underscores the generational and moral rifts between them.

The women from Lola's strip club rally around her and contribute some money to help her start anew. The gesture provides a practical push toward stability despite the ongoing chaos. The act reinforces the sense of chosen family in Lola's circle.

Lola shares her story at her last support group meeting; she is six months pregnant and ready to start anew. Babina drives her to the bus station for a tearful goodbye as she leaves to begin a new life. The moment marks a hopeful, painful transition toward independence.

Years pass and Lola is shown enjoying a carnival with her daughter and Malachi, indicating a measure of happiness despite past pain. The scene contrasts with the earlier trauma and shows the resilience of Lola and her chosen family. It suggests a new normal that incorporates healing and friendship.