‘Emilia Pérez’ Review: A Show-Stopping Musical Crime Drama

Given the recent trend of studios hiding that their films are musicals in marketing, Emilia Pérez has embraced this genre and is unapologetically proud. The musical crime film follows a former Mexican cartel leader, initially identified as Manitas Del Monte (Karla Sofía Gascón), who undergoes sex reassignment surgery and becomes Emilia Pérez with the help of a lawyer (Zoe Saldaña) she threatened and bribed. As Emilia lets her wife (Selena Gomez) and kids believe she died, she redefines her life and establishes a new legacy.

A crime thriller musical doesn’t sound like it would work, but writer-director Jacques Audiard, songwriter Camille Dalmais, and stars Gascón, Saldaña, and Gomez help make this strange idea one of the most heartfelt and empowering films of the year. Emilia Pérez is a project unlike any other and wholly deserving of its wide release on Netflix so audiences worldwide can see what makes it so special.

‘Emilia Pérez‘ Is a Beautiful Fusion of Different Genres

Emilia Pérez is an emotional film that deals with themes of identity, sacrifice, and love. It’s rare to see movies and shows touch on people undergoing transition surgery and follow them through their process. The songs help express Emilia’s journey in accepting herself, and Gascón’s captivating performance encapsulates it well.

This is undoubtedly her biggest project to date, and as a trans woman, the story is also the most personal to her. While Gascón, Gomez, Saldaña, and Adriana Paz won Best Actress at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Gascón is the most deserving to be nominated during the upcoming awards season; they’re all worthy of this recognition, but more than two nominations are rarely given to a movie for the same category.

It’s touching to see the arc Emilia receives in the film because her changing body reflects her ongoing transformation to redeem her past acts. Watching Emilia be happy will bring happy tears to audiences’ eyes, despite seeing how threatening her former self was as a cartel leader. The film isn’t afraid to get dark with its tone and subject matter because it’s all in service of the story. But even though it has elements of a crime film, Emilia Pérez brings an overwhelming sense of joy.

Just like the film’s blend of genres, the soundtrack also features a mix of musical styles. Most of the songs will stick with audiences after the movie even if they don’t speak Spanish. However, some moments feature singing when it’s not necessary at all; it can feel like whiplash at times, but when the musical numbers fit the moment, viewers will want to join in. The camera work during the choreographed songs is done amazingly as it moves with the dancers to emphasize their actions. From powerful ballads to fast-paced pop-rock anthems, Gascón, Saldaña, and Gomez each get a moment to shine with a track that fits their character’s personalities.

This Crime Film Starring Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña, and Karla Sofía Gascón Deserves Award Recognition

Gascón is a powerhouse in Emilia Pérez, but don’t let that diminish the amazing performances by Gomez and Saldaña — there’s a reason they all won Best Actress at Cannes. Gomez takes on her most serious role yet and gives a dramatic performance full of sorrow and anger at the world. With her musical background, she jumps right into singing and dancing with ease.

Saldaña’s biggest roles — Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy — cover up her face, but in Emilia Pérez, she doesn’t hold anything back emotionally. It’s been over 20 years since she danced in Center Stage, but she’s clearly not out of practice in Emilia Pérez. Another musical role is sure to be in the cards for her after this role.

We need more films like this where it features multiple strong female leads who don’t rely on a man to save the day. The captivating performances of Gascón, Saldaña, and Gomez amplify the theme of womanhood and the daily struggles they face. Don’t let the one-inch tall subtitles stop you from experiencing what makes Emilia Pérez a revolutionary and unforgettable feature.

Emilia Pérez will have a limited theatrical release in Canada and the United States starting November 1 before being available on Netflix on November 13.

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