Nicola Peltz Beckham, the billionaire heiress and daughter-in-law of David and Victoria Beckham, has released her directorial debut Lola, a film about poverty and trauma that critics say exploits rather than explores hardship. The film, which premiered on 9 February with a limited release, follows 19-year-old Lola James as she works at a drugstore and strip club while dealing with an abusive mother, a sibling's death, and her own drug abuse.
Peltz Beckham, who wrote, directed, and starred in the film, has faced backlash for what many call 'poverty porn' – using the aesthetics of poverty, sex work, and queer suffering to boost her creative reputation. Critics note that the film piles on traumatic events without meaningful connection, including rape, the death of a genderqueer sibling, and drug addiction, all portrayed through what one reviewer described as 'underbaked, harmful tropes'.
The film's press coverage has been largely soft, with outlets like Vogue focusing on Peltz Beckham's outfit rather than the film's content. Kelly Clarkson and the Hollywood Reporter also offered gentle interviews, avoiding tough questions about the film's exploitation of serious issues. Peltz Beckham's father, billionaire Nelson Peltz, previously made headlines for suing wedding planners over a £159,000 deposit, highlighting the family's vast wealth.
Despite the criticism, Peltz Beckham's career is unlikely to suffer due to her family's financial backing. The film, which she worked on for six years, has been described as a 'slice-of-life' story about generational trauma, but many argue it fails to deliver meaningful commentary on the issues it portrays.
