Watch Carla

Carla is a heart-wrenching, powerful independent drama film that tells the true story of Carla Walker, a young African American woman who was abducted and murdered in 1974. The movie was directed by Steve Balderson and stars Laverne Cox (of Orange is the New Black fame) in her breakout role as the lead character. She shares the screen with Joslyn DeFreece, who plays her best friend, and Gregg Bello, who portrays the role of the killer.

The film takes place in the early 1970s in Fort Worth, Texas, where Carla, played by Laverne Cox, is a bright, sweet-natured, and ambitious young woman. Her life seems to be going well, she has a boyfriend, a good job, and is planning her upcoming wedding. However, everything changes when she goes out on Valentine's Day with her boyfriend, Rodney (played by Jeremy Batiste), and they are kidnapped at gunpoint by a stranger.

What follows is a harrowing tale of rape, torture, and murder. Carla's body is found a few days after the abduction, leaving her family, friends, and fiancé devastated. The police investigation, which takes place over the next few years, is stymied by a lack of clues and evidence. Carla's killer remains at large, causing fear and paranoia in the already traumatized community.

The story then shifts to Carla's best friend, Lulu (Joslyn DeFreece), who is also dealing with the aftermath of Carla's death. Lulu is a typical teenager, grappling with the usual issues of dating, school, and family, but the loss of Carla leads her down a path of confusion and despair. She begins to question the safety of her community, and struggles with feelings of guilt and regret.

Throughout the film, the characters provide insight into the effects of a crime on individuals and a community. It highlights the pain and trauma of those who are left behind and reminds us that behind every violent crime, there are people whose lives are forever changed.

Laverne Cox delivers a deeply moving performance as Carla, capturing the soft-spoken and kind-hearted spirit of the young woman. She portrays Carla's vulnerability and fear with honesty and conviction. Joslyn DeFreece similarly impresses with her portrayal of Lulu, conveying the emotional toll of the loss with impressive depth.

The film's pacing is deliberate and methodical, emphasizing the weight of Carla's disappearance. The cinematography, with its somber and muted tones, adds to the overall mood of the film. The music, mostly string-based, creates an atmosphere of tension and melancholy.

Overall, Carla is a gripping and emotional account of a tragic event in American history. The movie is a powerful reminder of the impact violence has on communities and individuals. It's a poignant exploration of grief, loss, and love that deserves to be seen.

Carla is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.