Following its triumphant premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where its four leading actresses were awarded Best Actress, the anticipated Spanish-language musical Emilia Pérez has now been made available globally on Netflix. Among its standout stars, Selena Gomez joins Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Adriana Paz in a storyline that intertwines personal transformation with gripping narrative elements.
Set against the backdrop of modern-day Mexico, Emilia Pérez follows a once-feared drug cartel leader, portrayed by Gascón, who seeks the aid of a high-powered lawyer, played by Saldaña, to orchestrate his disappearance from the crime world. The unexpected twist? The drug lord wishes to transition into a woman and start anew. The film's journey follows the four women as they seek their paths to happiness and self-discovery.
The French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, inspired by a chapter in Boris Razon's 2018 novel Écoute, reshaped his vision by making identity and gender transition the film's core themes. "I was less interested in the change of identity for survival in the drug world, but rather for the protagonist's authentic self-discovery,” Audiard shared with BBC News.
The film showcases Gascón in a dual role, requiring her to embody both the male drug lord and his female counterpart. This unique opportunity was something Gascón fiercely campaigned for, stating, "It wouldn't be the same film if another actor played [Manitas]." This holistic approach made her portrayal resonate deeply, enhancing the film's authenticity.
Despite Gascón's claims of being an unlikely singer, her performance has been described as a remarkable revelation by critics, highlighting the emotional depth she brings to her role. Gomez, in turn, steps away from her previous family-friendly image, embodying the emotional complexity of a wife grappling with betrayal. As Entertainment Weekly noted, the film’s climax showcases Gomez’s transition into more serious dramatic roles.
The film has received predominantly positive reviews since its debut, with descriptors like "confident," "ridiculous," and "emotionally fulfilling triumph" surrounding its critical reception. Critics have noted its ability to defy traditional classifications, juxtaposing serious themes with vibrant musical elements.
While some reviews pointed out its opera origins as a potential source of emotional weight and tonal inconsistencies, many celebrated it as a genre-bending spectacle. It has already been selected as France's entry for the Best International Feature category in the Oscars, amplifying its potential for future accolades.
As the awards season unfolds, Paz remains character-focused rather than results-driven, while Gascón humorously wishes to step back from the musical limelight in future roles. Yet, the film undoubtedly marks a significant moment in the landscape of representation and storytelling in cinema.
