Directed by
Sara Sugarman
In this captivating coming-of-age story, we meet Mary Elizabeth “Lola” Cep, a spirited and ambitious 15-year-old actress hailing from the vibrant streets of New York City. When her family relocates to the picturesque suburb of Dellwood, New Jersey, Lola is thrust into an entirely new environment. With fierce determination, she boldly proclaims to those around her, > “A legend is about to be born. That legend would be me.” Her aspirations for stardom are complemented by her adoration for rock music, particularly the iconic sounds of Sidarthur and their mysterious lead singer, Stu Wolff.
As Lola maneuvers through the ups and downs of high school, she develops an unexpected friendship with Ella Gerard, a fellow enthusiast of the band. Her social circle further expands with the charming Sam, who catches her attention, while Carla Santini, the self-proclaimed queen bee, seems determined to make Lola’s life a living nightmare.
Lola’s quest for fame takes a pivotal turn when she auditions for the school play, a modern adaptation of Pygmalion titled Eliza Rocks. To everyone’s astonishment, she secures the enchanting role of Eliza, eclipsing Carla in the process. Just as she begins to savor her success, a vengeful Carla threatens to wreak havoc, and Lola faces a setback when her mother cuts off her allowance, jeopardizing her plans to buy tickets to a Sidarthur concert. Desperate to attend this crucial farewell show, Lola devises a scheme with Ella, but her carelessness leads to yet another disappointment.
As the night unfolds, Lola and Ella set off on a thrilling adventure to New York City in pursuit of tickets to Stu’s after-show gathering. Their plans derail once again when Lola inadvertently leaves their ticket money on the train. Undaunted, the duo strolls through the city and unexpectedly encounters Stu himself. In a drunken stupor, he collapses in an alley, prompting Lola and Ella to leap into action. Their escapades escalate and lead them to inadvertently visit a police station, ultimately arriving at Lola’s father’s New York City address.
Tensions rise as Lola’s web of deception unravels. In an effort to win Ella’s favor, she spins an elaborate tale about her father’s death, only for the truth to emerge, leaving Ella, a beacon of honesty, furious. Confronted by the reality of her lies, Lola confesses and vows never to compromise her integrity again. This new sincerity earns her a second chance as Ella forgives her with the condition of unwavering honesty moving forward. The trio ultimately reunites at the party, where their presence is noted by a disgruntled Carla.
Carla’s plot of revenge against Lola escalates when she denies their encounter and labels her a liar, a narrative that spreads like wildfire among their peers. Despite Lola’s attempts to share her story and gain support, she faces despair and initially withdraws from the play. However, spurred by Ella’s encouragement, Lola reconsiders her stance and arrives just in time to counteract Carla’s scheme.
In a heartwarming moment, Lola’s mother offers her encouragement, addressing her by her cherished childhood nickname, Lola. The performance becomes a resounding success, with Lola’s captivating portrayal igniting a standing ovation. At the after-party hosted by Carla, a surprise visit from Stu reunites him with Lola. As Carla’s schemes crumble, Stu publicly presents Lola with her necklace, exposing Carla’s deceit. In a surprising twist of goodwill, Lola reaches out to Carla, who begrudgingly accepts her defeat. The night culminates in a dance with Stu, leading to a romantic moment shared with Sam, as they lock lips amidst the joyous celebration.
Lola's Ambition
Mary Elizabeth 'Lola' Cep, a spirited 15-year-old actress from New York City, expresses her fierce ambition. She boldly announces to everyone around her that a legend is about to be born, and that legend would be her.
Moving to Dellwood
Lola's family relocates to the picturesque suburb of Dellwood, New Jersey. This transition thrusts Lola into a new environment where she must navigate the challenges of fitting in and pursuing her dreams.
Forming New Friendships
As Lola adjusts to her new high school, she develops a friendship with Ella Gerard, who shares her enthusiasm for the band Sidarthur. Meanwhile, she becomes intrigued by the charming Sam, adding complexity to her social life.
Crossing Paths with Carla
Lola encounters Carla Santini, the queen bee of the school, who starts making Lola's life difficult. The rivalry escalates as Carla feels threatened by Lola's budding popularity and ambition.
Auditioning for the Play
Lola auditions for the school play, a modern adaptation of *Pygmalion* titled *Eliza Rocks*. To everyone's surprise, she lands the lead role of Eliza, outshining Carla and setting the stage for a fierce competition.
Setback and Determination
Just as Lola begins to enjoy her success in the play, her mother cuts off her allowance, jeopardizing her plans to attend an important Sidarthur concert. Undeterred, she devises a plan to get tickets with the help of Ella.
Seeking Adventure
Lola and Ella embark on a thrilling adventure to New York City in search of concert tickets. Their hopes take a hit when Lola accidentally leaves their ticket money on the train, adding to the drama of their night.
Meeting Stu
While wandering the streets of New York City, Lola and Ella unexpectedly come across Stu Wolff, the lead singer of Sidarthur, who is inebriated and collapsed in an alley. They seize the opportunity to help him, propelling their adventure to new heights.
Truth and Lies
In an effort to impress Ella, Lola fabricates a tale about her father's death, only for the truth to come out later. This revelation creates tension between them, forcing Lola to confront her lies and the consequences of deceit.
Reconciliation
After confessing her lies, Lola swears to always be honest moving forward. This heartfelt admission earns her a second chance with Ella, who forgives her under the condition of unwavering integrity.
Confrontation with Carla
Lola faces escalating vengeance from Carla, who spreads rumors that tarnish Lola's reputation. Despite the negativity, Lola fights to share her side of the story but initially withdraws from participating in the play.
The Performance
With encouragement from Ella, Lola ultimately returns just in time to perform in the school play. Her captivating portrayal of Eliza earns her a standing ovation, exemplifying her growth and resilience.
Unforeseen Reunion
At Carla's after-party, a surprise visit from Stu reunites him with Lola, highlighting her journey from insecurity to confidence. Stu acknowledges Lola's talent and presents her with a necklace, exposing Carla's deceit.
Embracing Victory
Lola reaches out to a begrudging Carla, signaling a moment of growth for them both as Carla reluctantly accepts her defeat. This act of kindness bridges the gap created by rivalry and animosity.
A Romantic Climax
The night culminates in a celebratory dance with Stu and a romantic moment shared with Sam. Lola's journey finishes on a high note, as she locks lips with Sam amid the joy of the evening.
Mary Elizabeth 'Lola' Cep
Lola is a spirited and determined 15-year-old actress who dreams big after moving to Dellwood, New Jersey. With a passion for rock music and a fierce desire for fame, she often finds herself in challenging situations that test her values and integrity. Throughout the film, Lola evolves from a naive dreamer to a more honest and self-aware young woman.
Ella Gerard
Ella is Lola's supportive friend and fellow Sidarthur fan, providing a counterbalance to Lola's more impulsive nature. She values honesty and loyalty, often challenging Lola to confront her lies. Ella's character embodies the essence of true friendship, offering crucial support and encouragement throughout Lola's journey.
Carla Santini
Carla is the self-proclaimed queen bee of the school, fiercely competitive and determined to undermine Lola. Her jealousy and vengeful tactics create significant conflict in the narrative, serving as a catalyst for Lola's growth. Despite her antagonistic role, Carla's character highlights themes of rivalry and redemption.
Sam
Sam is the charming boy who captures Lola's attention, adding a romantic element to her story. He represents the allure of young love and the excitement of new relationships. Sam's supportive nature plays a role in Lola's journey as she navigates the complexities of high school life.
Time period
Contemporary
The film is set in contemporary times, reflecting the modern teen culture of the early 2000s. This era showcases the rise of social media and the impact of celebrity culture on youth, making Lola's aspirations relatable to a young audience. The conflicts and themes resonate with the struggles of adolescence during this period.
Location
New York City, Dellwood, New Jersey
New York City, known for its vibrant energy and cultural diversity, serves as a backdrop for Lola's dreams and adventures. Dellwood, a picturesque suburb in New Jersey, contrasts with the city's hustle and bustle, creating a significant shift in Lola's life when she moves there. These settings highlight the challenges and excitement of a young girl's quest for identity and acceptance.
🎭
Identity
The theme of identity is central to Lola's journey as she navigates the challenges of adolescence. Her experiences in a new environment prompt her to explore who she is and what she values. Ultimately, Lola learns the importance of honesty and integrity in shaping her true self, marking her growth throughout the film.
💔
Friendship
Friendship plays a pivotal role in the story, showcasing the complexities and dynamics of teenage relationships. Lola's bond with Ella highlights the significance of trust, while their conflicts lead to important lessons about forgiveness and sincerity. The support they provide each other ultimately helps them overcome obstacles together.
🌟
Ambition
Lola's ambition drives her actions and decisions throughout the film. Her desire for fame and acknowledgement fuels her determination to succeed in the school play and in her relationships. However, the story illustrates that ambition must be balanced with honesty and genuine connections, as Lola learns through her experiences.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.