And Then Came Lola Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A chronically late photographer has three chaotic chances to deliver crucial documents and save her job and relationship, all while navigating the whimsical absurdities of San Francisco.

🍿 And Then Came Lola: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Lola’s Race Against Time

The film ‘And Then Came Lola’ thrusts its protagonist, Lola, into a high-stakes race against the clock. Lola is a photographer facing a monumental deadline: she must deliver a crucial set of prints to a demanding client by a very specific time, or she risks losing her job and potentially her entire career. This pressure cooker scenario sets the stage for a day filled with unexpected hurdles and personal challenges.

A Tumultuous Relationship and Complicating Factors

Compounding Lola’s professional woes is the precarious state of her relationship with her girlfriend, Casey. A significant argument or misunderstanding has created a deep rift between them, and Casey has issued an ultimatum. Lola not only needs to secure her job but also repair her relationship, adding immense emotional weight to her already stressful day. The film explores the intricate balance between career ambition and personal commitment.

Obstacles and Crossroads

As Lola navigates the city, she encounters various distractions and setbacks that threaten to derail her mission. These range from quirky encounters with strangers to unexpected detours and personal crises that force her to confront her own choices and priorities. Each obstacle tests Lola’s resolve, pushing her closer to the brink while simultaneously offering opportunities for self-reflection and growth.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lola (Ashleigh Sumner): The talented but distracted photographer who races against time to reach a crucial meeting and save her job and relationship.
• Casey (Jill Bennett): Lola’s girlfriend, whose own job and future are at stake, depending on Lola’s timely arrival with important documents.
• Danielle (Cathy DeBuono): A key supporting character Lola encounters during her desperate dash through the streets of San Francisco.
• Jen (Jessica Graham): Another significant individual Lola interacts with as she navigates various obstacles in her frantic race against the clock.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Casey: “And this time when you say you are gonna come, you’d better mean it.” – Said at the very end of the film, during an intimate moment with Lola, playing on the double meaning of ‘come’ in the context of both arrival and climax.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 And Then Came Lola Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adored ‘And Then Came Lola’! As a fan of ‘Run Lola Run,’ I was curious how this would play out, and I was pleasantly surprised by its unique, lighthearted charm. The ‘three chances’ premise felt fresh and kept me hooked, making me root for Lola to finally get things right. What truly resonated with me was the positive representation of a lesbian relationship. It was refreshing to see a story where the queer aspect wasn’t a plot device for drama but just a natural part of the characters’ lives. The humor landed really well, especially the playful jabs at relationship quirks, and the San Francisco backdrop added so much vibrant energy to Lola’s frantic race. It’s definitely a rewatch for me when I need a fun, uplifting movie night!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “LGBTQ+ film enthusiasts, particularly those interested in independent lesbian dramas”
  • “Viewers looking for character-driven stories with a focus on relationships”
  • “Audiences who appreciate films with a fast-paced, ‘race against time’ narrative structure”
  • “Fans of indie cinema with mature themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Sexual content and nudity”
  • “Language”
  • “Relationship drama and conflict”

Professional Reviews

• FilmScene Magazine: “And Then Came Lola is a vibrant, energetic romp that smartly reinterprets a classic premise with a fresh, queer lens. Its fast pace and lighthearted humor make for an engaging watch, even if the stakes sometimes feel more playful than profound. A refreshing addition to independent cinema, embracing its fun and unique voice.
• IndieView Critic: “While clearly an homage, ‘And Then Came Lola’ carves out its own identity with quirky charm and genuine heart. The film cleverly avoids common genre pitfalls, presenting a positive and authentic portrayal of lesbian relationships. It’s a breezy, enjoyable experience, though the soundtrack occasionally misses a beat.
• Queer Reels Review: “This film stands out for its unabashedly positive and humorous take on lesbian romance, a welcome change from typical narratives. Ashleigh Sumner shines as Lola, carrying the comedic and dramatic beats with infectious energy. It’s not aiming for an Oscar, but it absolutely succeeds as a feel-good, authentic slice of life.

Audience Reactions

Viewers consistently praised the film for its fun, lighthearted tone and positive portrayal of lesbian characters.: Many enjoyed the movie’s humorous take on relationships and the energetic ‘race against time’ concept, finding it a refreshing change from typical, more dramatic LGBTQ+ narratives. The San Francisco setting was also a big hit.

Overall Consensus: A generally well-received independent film, ‘And Then Came Lola’ is celebrated for its humorous, positive, and authentic portrayal of a lesbian romance within a clever, time-loop narrative, despite some mixed opinions on its pacing compared to its inspiration.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is a direct homage to the German thriller “Run Lola Run” (1998), adopting its multi-outcome narrative structure where the protagonist gets multiple chances to alter events.”
• “It was filmed on location in San Francisco, California, utilizing the city’s iconic landscapes and vibrant atmosphere, particularly within its LGBTQ+ community.”
• “The filmmakers intentionally cast openly lesbian actors in the leading roles, aiming to provide authentic representation for their characters.”
• “The movie employs a distinctive visual style, blending live-action footage with elements of animation and still photography to convey Lola’s frantic race against time.”
• “A key production goal was to offer a positive and refreshing portrayal of lesbian relationships, explicitly avoiding common negative tropes such as suicide, domestic abuse, or objectification often found in other lesbian-themed films.”

🖥️ How to Watch And Then Came Lola?

Finding ‘And Then Came Lola’ can be a bit niche due to its independent nature. As of late, it’s often available for rent or purchase on digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. These platforms allow you to stream the film instantly. For those who prefer physical media, DVD or Blu-ray copies might be available from online retailers or specialized film stores. Always check the current availability and pricing on your preferred service, as streaming rights can change.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed And Then Came Lola, you might like these similar films:

• Run Lola Run (1998): This iconic German thriller is the direct inspiration for ‘And Then Came Lola,’ sharing the central premise of a character racing against time with multiple narrative outcomes depending on split-second decisions.
• DEBS (2004): A campy and lighthearted lesbian spy comedy, ‘DEBS’ offers a similar fun and positive portrayal of young queer women navigating relationships, appealing to fans who enjoyed the ‘silly and light’ aspects of Lola.
• Better Than Chocolate (1999): This charming Canadian romantic comedy positively depicts a young woman’s journey of discovering her sexuality and navigating lesbian relationships, echoing ‘And Then Came Lola’s’ refreshing and upbeat approach to queer romance.
• Palm Springs (2020): A modern romantic comedy that creatively utilizes a time-loop concept, exploring multiple chances for its characters to get things right and find love, much like Lola’s repeated attempts.
• But I’m a Cheerleader (1999): A satirical and visually distinctive comedy that has become a cult favorite within the LGBTQ+ community for its humorous take on identity and acceptance, sharing ‘And Then Came Lola’s’ positive and sometimes whimsical approach to queer themes.

🛒 And Then Came Lola Related Products

• And Then Came Lola (DVD/Blu-ray): Own the film that offers a fresh, humorous take on love, time, and second chances. This edition includes special features like behind-the-scenes footage and cast interviews, providing deeper insights into its unique production.
• Run Lola Run (Blu-ray): Experience the acclaimed German thriller that inspired ‘And Then Came Lola.’ This high-definition release showcases the original’s groundbreaking visuals and relentless pacing, offering a fascinating companion piece.
• San Francisco: Portrait of a City (Photography Book): A stunning collection of photographic essays capturing the vibrant spirit and iconic landscapes of San Francisco, the backdrop for Lola’s frantic journey.
• LGBTQ+ Independent Film Collection (Streaming/DVD Set): A curated collection of groundbreaking and beloved independent films from the LGBTQ+ genre, celebrating diverse stories and voices.

🎧 Soundtrack

And Then Came Lola features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “No One’s Here Anymore” – performed by Saucy Monky

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Six-year-old girl is a skateboarding prodigy

If you loved the inspiring journey in ‘Skater Girl,’ you absolutely have to check out this video of a six-year-old skateboarding prodigy! It’s incredibly cool to see her skills, and it totally reminds me of the passion and determination we see in the film.

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