Review: Emilia Perez
Passion Has A New Name
INTRODUCTION
This is a quick review of the newly released film Emilia Perez. Keep in mind this is but one of the many movies I watch every year, and that whatever initial grade I come up for this film could change for better or worse with time. To better keep up to date with both my thoughts on other movies and if my feelings on this film changed, follow me on Letterboxd.
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THE PLOT
Via Google: A Mexican lawyer is offered an unusual job to help a notorious cartel boss retire and transition into living as a woman, fulfilling a long-held desire.
QUICK REVIEW
It’s been weeks since I first watched Emilia Perez, and I still find myself wrestling with mixed feelings about a film I genuinely enjoyed, despite certain aspects that gave me pause.
When I first watched it, the political climate felt less fraught, with election results and the inevitable challenges facing the trans community still on the horizon. Now, in light of recent events, I wonder how a film that aims to touch on the trans experience resonates in today’s context - particularly one that has sparked critique from both trans and nonbinary voices.
Undeniably, Emilia Perez is a film deeply rooted in its Spanish culture (even though it was France’s submission to the Oscars), and its screenplay evokes the drama and intensity of a telenovela.
As a lover of musicals (In the Heights was my favorite film of 2021, and The Color Purple was in my top five last year) I found Emilia Perez delivered on the musical front. The choreography is superb, and the ensemble cast performs with near perfection. Although only two numbers stuck with me, the music consistently held my attention. That said, one song about sex change operations came off as both cringeworthy and borderline offensive in its handling of the subject.
From an acting perspective, Karla Sofía Gascón and Selena Gomez excel in their roles. Gascón is on the verge of making Oscars history, while Gomez displays a surprising range. The true standout, however, is Zoe Saldaña, whose physicality during her musical sections and emotional depth blew me away.
The film’s challenges emerge in its soap-opera-style storytelling, which at times weakens character motivations and complicates the portrayal of its trans protagonist. Despite the impressive music and performances, I felt the movie drifted into generic gangster territory in parts. All culminating in what I found to be a bit of an anti-climatic ending.
Overall, I enjoyed Emilia Perez, largely due to its infectious energy, music, and acting. However, certain elements prevent it from reaching an A-level rating for me. I’d give it a solid B+.
INITIAL GRADING
