In a vibrant celebration of identity and transformation, Netflix unveils 'Emilia Pérez,' a Spanish-language musical starring Selena Gomez alongside Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Adriana Paz. The film made its debut earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival, where its four leading ladies collectively won the Best Actress award. With its worldwide release on Netflix, the film aims to capture a wider audience as the Oscars loom ahead in March.
Directed by the renowned Jacques Audiard, 'Emilia Pérez' offers a compelling narrative involving a Mexican drug lord seeking to fake his own death for a major life change. The twist? He wishes to transition into a woman and start anew. Gascón, who plays the titular character, has garnered early praise for her performance, with critics suggesting she could be an awards contender for her work.
The film was inspired by a chapter in Boris Razon's novel Écoute, which recounts the story of a drug lord who alters his identity. Audiard, intrigued by the notion of a gender transition, took it a step further by infusing the story with personal elements of the lead character's journey—away from a life of crime and towards authenticity.
Gascón’s casting as Emilia was imperative to the film's integrity. She lobbied to portray both the pre-transition male drug lord and the post-transition heroine, tackling both sides of the character's journey. Despite initial reluctance from Audiard, Gascón's determination secured her dual role, enhancing the film's depth and emotional resonance.
Selena Gomez's portrayal of Emilia's wife received strong endorsements from critics, who noted a refreshing shift from her Disney origins. Reviewers celebrated Gomez's dramatic depth, particularly in the film's climactic moments, highlighting her ability to convey nuanced emotions and complexity.
The film's vibrant and eclectic performances have fueled positive reviews, with Entertainment Weekly describing it as a "wild, gritty, glitter-soaked ride." Yet, some critics remained skeptical about its tonal shifts and lyrical choices, a nod to its origins as an opera. Overall, the film is seen as a bold merger of life, identity, and celebration that pushes boundaries.
As 'Emilia Pérez' continues to attract attention—being nominated as France's entry for the best international feature at the Oscars—its stars express excitement over the project’s reach and relevance. Gascón, despite her hesitance about future musical roles, appreciates the unique moment this film presents in her career. Meanwhile, Paz highlights the pride felt within her community, as recognition for their work on this project resonates broadly in Mexico.
In the lead-up to the impending awards season, 'Emilia Pérez' stands out for its innovative storytelling and the remarkable talents of its cast, setting the stage for a significant moment in cinema.
Directed by the renowned Jacques Audiard, 'Emilia Pérez' offers a compelling narrative involving a Mexican drug lord seeking to fake his own death for a major life change. The twist? He wishes to transition into a woman and start anew. Gascón, who plays the titular character, has garnered early praise for her performance, with critics suggesting she could be an awards contender for her work.
The film was inspired by a chapter in Boris Razon's novel Écoute, which recounts the story of a drug lord who alters his identity. Audiard, intrigued by the notion of a gender transition, took it a step further by infusing the story with personal elements of the lead character's journey—away from a life of crime and towards authenticity.
Gascón’s casting as Emilia was imperative to the film's integrity. She lobbied to portray both the pre-transition male drug lord and the post-transition heroine, tackling both sides of the character's journey. Despite initial reluctance from Audiard, Gascón's determination secured her dual role, enhancing the film's depth and emotional resonance.
Selena Gomez's portrayal of Emilia's wife received strong endorsements from critics, who noted a refreshing shift from her Disney origins. Reviewers celebrated Gomez's dramatic depth, particularly in the film's climactic moments, highlighting her ability to convey nuanced emotions and complexity.
The film's vibrant and eclectic performances have fueled positive reviews, with Entertainment Weekly describing it as a "wild, gritty, glitter-soaked ride." Yet, some critics remained skeptical about its tonal shifts and lyrical choices, a nod to its origins as an opera. Overall, the film is seen as a bold merger of life, identity, and celebration that pushes boundaries.
As 'Emilia Pérez' continues to attract attention—being nominated as France's entry for the best international feature at the Oscars—its stars express excitement over the project’s reach and relevance. Gascón, despite her hesitance about future musical roles, appreciates the unique moment this film presents in her career. Meanwhile, Paz highlights the pride felt within her community, as recognition for their work on this project resonates broadly in Mexico.
In the lead-up to the impending awards season, 'Emilia Pérez' stands out for its innovative storytelling and the remarkable talents of its cast, setting the stage for a significant moment in cinema.
