"Emilia Pérez," which premiered at this year's Cannes Film Festival, has become a significant entry in the awards race as it debuts on Netflix worldwide. The film, a Spanish-language musical, has garnered attention for its four lead actresses—Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Adriana Paz—who collectively won the Best Actress award at Cannes.
Set against the backdrop of modern-day Mexico, the film follows a former drug cartel leader, portrayed by Gascón, who seeks the help of a lawyer named Rita, played by Saldaña, to stage his own death. The shocking twist reveals that the drug lord desires to change gender and begin a new life. The narrative dives deep into the journeys of four women—each navigating their own paths to happiness.
Directed by Jacques Audiard, the film was inspired by a chapter from Boris Razon's 2018 novel. Audiard emphasizes a focus on the character's transformation rather than just evasion from criminal life. Gascón, the acclaimed trans actress, faced unique challenges during casting, as her role required singing and dancing abilities alongside acting. Initially hesitant about her singing skills, she joked about the rapid demands placed upon her during auditions, yet she embraced the challenge wholeheartedly.
Gascón's commitment led her to campaign for both the masculine and feminine aspects of the character, portraying the drug lord prior to transition. This decision required special effects to represent the character fully, emphasizing the film's vision of identity exploration. Gascón believes that her dual portrayal adds a significant depth to the project, remarking, "It's that kind of role you have once in your life."
The film’s critical reception has been mixed, though many reviews have praised the strong performances. Entertainment Weekly's Maureen Lee Lenker commended Selena Gomez for shedding her Disney image, portraying a complex character whose emotional turmoil is compellingly depicted. Gomez’s involvement in physically demanding dance sequences added an extra layer to her performance, illustrating her growth as an actress.
Despite diverging opinions from some critics about the film's tonal shifts, several outlets have recognized its genre-bending nature and emotional depth. "Emilia Pérez" has already been selected as France's official entry for the best international feature category at the upcoming Oscars in March.
As "Emilia Pérez" captures audiences, the spotlight continues to shine on its diverse cast, showcasing their past work and potential future accolades. While Gomez adapts back to the music scene, her co-stars embraced various aspects of their new spotlight, including Paz, who expressed excitement about possibly pursuing more musicals.
Overall, "Emilia Pérez" stands as a testament to transformation—both for the characters within the story and for the careers of the actors involved—creating a unique narrative that intertwines matters of identity, acceptance, and artistic expression.
