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The Spanish-language musical "Emilia Pérez" has made waves in the film industry after premiering at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, where its lead actresses jointly won the best actress award. The film has now been released globally on Netflix, just in time for the Oscars season.
"Emilia Pérez," directed by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, features Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Adriana Paz as four women whose lives intertwine with a drug cartel leader's dramatic transformation. Gascón plays the titular character who transitions into a woman, shaking up her world and those around her.
The story kicks off with the cartel leader, depicted by Gascón, who seeks the expertise of a powerful lawyer, Rita (played by Saldaña), to orchestrate a fake death so she can leave her past behind. The film balances the challenges each woman faces in pursuit of happiness, all the while exploring themes relevant to identity and acceptance in modern-day Mexico.
Gascón, who is a Spanish-language trans actress, has been hailed for her bold performance. During casting, she expressed her desire to portray both the male and female incarnations of her character, insisting that only her full performance could do justice to the storyline. The director ultimately agreed, recognizing her as the heart of the film.
Selena Gomez steps into the role of the drug lord's unsuspecting wife, whose life takes a horrifying twist upon learning about her lover's new identity. Critics describe her portrayal as a remarkable departure from her early acting roles, noting her capacity to convey profound emotional depth—especially as the film builds towards an intense climax.
The film has received mixed reviews, celebrated by some for its audacity and emotional weight. Critics rave about it being bold and genre-defying, whereas others express concerns over its tonal shifts. However, the general consensus highlights remarkable performances that elevate the unsettling yet captivating narrative.
"Emilia Pérez" has already been named France's official entry for the best international feature category at the Oscars, a recognition that could signal significant accolades ahead for its ensemble cast. Despite the attention, Adriana Paz emphasizes her focus on the character's authenticity rather than the glitz of awards, reflecting a commitment to her craft.
Following her experience on "Emilia Pérez," Paz has expressed interest in pursuing more musical roles in the future. In contrast, Gascón humorously remarked her disinterest in being typecast as a musical actress. As the buzz around this film continues to rise, the performances by this exceptional cast—especially Gomez—remain a focal point in discussions surrounding the awards season.
The Spanish-language musical "Emilia Pérez" has made waves in the film industry after premiering at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, where its lead actresses jointly won the best actress award. The film has now been released globally on Netflix, just in time for the Oscars season.
"Emilia Pérez," directed by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, features Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Adriana Paz as four women whose lives intertwine with a drug cartel leader's dramatic transformation. Gascón plays the titular character who transitions into a woman, shaking up her world and those around her.
The story kicks off with the cartel leader, depicted by Gascón, who seeks the expertise of a powerful lawyer, Rita (played by Saldaña), to orchestrate a fake death so she can leave her past behind. The film balances the challenges each woman faces in pursuit of happiness, all the while exploring themes relevant to identity and acceptance in modern-day Mexico.
Gascón, who is a Spanish-language trans actress, has been hailed for her bold performance. During casting, she expressed her desire to portray both the male and female incarnations of her character, insisting that only her full performance could do justice to the storyline. The director ultimately agreed, recognizing her as the heart of the film.
Selena Gomez steps into the role of the drug lord's unsuspecting wife, whose life takes a horrifying twist upon learning about her lover's new identity. Critics describe her portrayal as a remarkable departure from her early acting roles, noting her capacity to convey profound emotional depth—especially as the film builds towards an intense climax.
The film has received mixed reviews, celebrated by some for its audacity and emotional weight. Critics rave about it being bold and genre-defying, whereas others express concerns over its tonal shifts. However, the general consensus highlights remarkable performances that elevate the unsettling yet captivating narrative.
"Emilia Pérez" has already been named France's official entry for the best international feature category at the Oscars, a recognition that could signal significant accolades ahead for its ensemble cast. Despite the attention, Adriana Paz emphasizes her focus on the character's authenticity rather than the glitz of awards, reflecting a commitment to her craft.
Following her experience on "Emilia Pérez," Paz has expressed interest in pursuing more musical roles in the future. In contrast, Gascón humorously remarked her disinterest in being typecast as a musical actress. As the buzz around this film continues to rise, the performances by this exceptional cast—especially Gomez—remain a focal point in discussions surrounding the awards season.
