Emilia Pérez
Would you give up everything to become yourself?
Emilia Perez is a bold cinematic blend: a thriller, a drama, a detective story, a musical, and a profound social commentary. Such an ambitious project is rare, and its execution makes it clear just how challenging it is to pull off. This film, which had its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, has been on my radar for over six months, fueled by a mix of polarizing yet always passionate reviews. Finally, I’ve had the chance to experience it myself.
At its core, the story follows a prosecutor's assistant who becomes entangled with the head of a powerful Mexican cartel—a man yearning to transition into the woman he has always felt himself to be. Together, they embark on a journey that is as transformative as it is perilous. On paper, the premise may sound outlandish. But in execution, Emilia Perez offers a sweeping narrative that tackles societal complexities, cultural dynamics, and questions of identity, all wrapped in the audacious packaging of an LGBTQ+ musical drama.
Jacques Audiard takes a huge leap in blending these themes and genres. The result is far from perfect. The film often feels overambitious, taking on more than it can fully explore within its runtime. It grapples with numerous social issues, attempting to weave them into an intricate narrative while also delivering an intimate character study. At times, it leans into melodrama space, and other moments feel overly theatrical.
However, many of the film's flaws are redeemed by its bold choice to embrace the musical genre. The exaggerated drama and grandeur, which might have otherwise faltered in a traditional format, feel natural within this context. Without its musical framework, the film likely wouldn’t work at all. As it stands, Emilia Perez is an eccentric yet coherent piece, with its imperfections woven into the very fabric of its storytelling. The result is a vibrant, tragic, and deeply moving narrative that evokes the nostalgia of early-2000s telenovelas, reimagined with a contemporary aesthetic and Netflix-like cinematography. Visually, the film is stunning, bursting with vivid colors and dynamic compositions that amplify its emotional depth.
I know many of you are reading this review eager to hear my thoughts on Selena Gomez’s performance. To be honest, there isn’t much to say. While she delivers a passable performance, any capable actress could have taken on her role with similar results. She didn’t make the movie worse, but she didn’t make it significantly better either.
The true stars of Emilia Perez are Carla Sofia Gascon and Zoe Saldana. Gascon delivers a layered portrayal of a deeply conflicted individual, someone who has found freedom in their identity yet remains tethered to the past. Her performance explores the idea that no matter how much we transform, our history and desires remain integral to who we are.
Meanwhile, Zoe Saldana is nothing short of extraordinary. As Rita, she transitions effortlessly between drama, music, dance, and raw emotional delivery. Her performance is a masterclass in versatility, and she commands every scene she’s in. Saldana’s presence alone makes the film worth watching.
Ultimately, Emilia Perez is a distinctive exploration of empowerment, identity, and the complexity of human existence. It reminds us that while we all have the right to shape our futures, the past will always be a part of us. Jacques Audiard has created a genre-defying film that is nearly impossible to compare to anything else, making it a must-watch for those seeking something truly unique.
7.5/10
The film is either already available in your theaters or set to release in January in select regions. In some areas, it is also streaming on Netflix. Special thanks to Gutek Film for the opportunity to view this movie ahead of its premiere in Poland.