From director Jacques Audiard comes a story centred around four women in Mexico City. When lawyer Rita Moro Castro (Zoe Saldana) is approached by a cartel boss named Manitas to help fake his death and take on the life he’s always wanted as a woman, it is an offer she can’t refuse. And so Emilia Pérez (Karla Sofía Gascón) is born. Four years later, Emilia gets back in touch with Rita with a new mission: to reunite her with her wife Jessi (Selena Gomez) and their children.
After winning the Jury Prize and the Best Actress awards at the Cannes Film Festival, as well as receiving a nine minute standing ovation, I knew I had to check it out. Not only did it have an amazing cast, the fact that it was also a musical was something that interested me.
There’s a lot going on in the film. With many different genres ranging from crime to comedy to thriller to self-discovery, one might get lost amongst it all. It’s certainly an ambitious project, but I thought it was well executed for the most part. I couldn’t help but watch in awe as the events unfolded before me. The set up in particular was engrossing as well as the riveting final act when it all came together. Though the middle was a bit clunky, it was able to even itself out.
Where the film really excels is in its performances. Saldana shines as Rita. Her Spanish was impeccable and she had a lovely singing voice too. She was the glue that held the story together and I wouldn’t be surprised if she got some nominations come awards season. Gascón was a total force to be reckoned with. Not only did she portray the titular character, she also took on the role of Manitas which I thought was a brilliant choice. Her performance was both heartbreaking and inspiring all at the same time. Gomez really impressed me here. I’m used to seeing her act in more comedic roles so this dramatic turn was welcoming. She also got to act and sing in Spanish which was new territory for her. I also can’t forget Adriana Paz who portrayed Epifanía Flores, a woman who becomes enamoured with Emilia. Her poignant delivery helped tie it all together.
Overall, Emilia Pérez is a film unlike any other. Because there is so much going on, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. The performances are A+ and the exciting musical sequences, this has been one of my favorite film experiences of the year.
Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️.5
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