User reviews

The problem with this movie is not Selena's Spanish, I don't find this movie particularly bad but some of the dialogue is really cringy and as a Mexican none of the people from here use the terms that were in the movie. The portrayal of Mexico in this film is very stereotypical and sometimes that isn't bad, but I think they should had cast real Latin writers and supervisors to make this movie more accurate and respectful to the country. The fact that the director doesn't speak Spanish or even English speaks volumes of the commitment to understanding what the movie is about and the emotions that triggers.

Also the songs are horrible.

The only thing salvageable is Zoe Saldaña's performance.

Emilia Perez isn't a bad movie, but it felt somewhat flat. At times, the story seemed too easy for the characters, lacking tension or conflict. Emilia, in particular, transforms into an overwhelmingly positive character, even though we know from the backstory that she wasn't always so good.

The movie tackles a wide range of themes but struggles to fully explore them. Instead of diving deeply into any one idea, it spreads itself too thin, leaving several threads underdeveloped.

As someone who doesn't typically enjoy musicals, this film didn't change my mind. However, I can appreciate that this was the director's vision, and I know many viewers will enjoy the musical elements. To its credit, some of the musical numbers were well done, especially those performed by Zoe Saldana. Her performance was a standout and arguably the film's biggest revelation, elevating many scenes with her presence and talent.

Overall, Emilia Perez is an enjoyable film. While I don't quite understand its acclaim at Cannes, it has its moments.

This is an ambitious film that certainly succeeds in combining several genres. It is also a film that manages to fascinate and captivate for its whole, long running time.

However, there are two major problems: First: the film is ridiculously moralistic.

Second: it is absurd to believe that nobody would immediately question the identity and therefore the background of the main character. Her motivation is legit, she wants to make amends, but it is mindboggling that the filmmakers apparently thought it could go unquestioned when the protagonist, a mysterious woman in every respect, carelessly decides to enter the spotlight.

I will start out by saying I am not a fan of operas. However this film was not what I had expected. The main characters were mostly unlikable. The plot was rather ridiculous. Certain actors were very miscast. Selena Gomez needed Spanish lessons. I am sure that anyone who lives in Mexico will hate this movie. The director isn't Mexican. I saw all the awards at the Golden Globes and that is the ony reason I decided to watch it. If you like any of the actors, you may want to give it a try. However I would have to say watch at your own risk. It is one of the worst films I have seen in the recent past.

Enjoyable enough movie with two demanding leading roles and two supporting roles requiring excellent performers. The first two are played by Zoe Saldaña and Karla Sofia Gascón, the second two by Selena Gomez and Adriana Paz. This quartet shared the Best Actress award at Cannes 2024. They deserved it. Saldaña in particular is a revelation.

Of writer-director Jacques Audiard's previous films, I've seen four (The Beat that My Heart Skipped, A Prophet, Rust and Bone, and The Sisters Brothers), each memorable in their different ways. None of them prepared me for this one, so hats of to him for not getting stuck in a genre rut.

There's a lot of story and a lot of singing in Emilia Pérez. When the singing is paired with Damien Jalet's incisive choreography, the effect is thrilling. Otherwise, the songs drag the movie down. They are musical-theatre lite, don't dig deep, so are not up to the dramatic demands put upon them. They're at their best in the rap-inclined numbers, where rhythm is the most important element.

The moral of Emilia Pérez seems to be that we can never slough off the past, change who we are or what we want. It's a strangely bleak vision to present in a musical.

I am speechless... I'm guessing all the positive reviews are from people who a) don't speak Spanish and b) wanted their caricatures of Mexicans and trans people confirmed.

The dialogues are insufferable, no one speaks like that, the music is jarring, the accents (even though Zoe Saldana is clearly making a huge effort. Let's not even talk about Selena) are not good.

The bad words sprinkled thought the movie feel so unnatural, not only because of the delivery, but how they are used. This was clearly written by somebody with some vague knowledge of Mexican culture, but definitely not enough to make something good.

The only redeeming quality this movie has is that it's undoubtedly pretty. That's it.

Mexican people should avoid it at all costs.

My second favorite movie from Cannes after "The Substance" (I didn't saw "Anora). It's pure insanity. Musical about drug dealers and corruption in Mexico??? WTF???

"Emilia Perez" is really inventive. It blends a lot of different genres: drama, comedy, musical, thriller, but does it in a very good and entertaining way. It's also extremely original and also suprisingly emotional. There is a character in here that has a moving and heartbreaking journey throughout the movie. I'm not gonna go into details. It's not really a spoiler cause it's revealed in first 15-20 minutes into the movie but I didn't knew about it and I was shocked that this movie went into that direction. That's why advise you not to read description and to go see it fully blind if u want to have the best possible experience.

The best thing about this "Emilia Perez" are definitely perfomances. It won Best Actress Award at Cannes for as many as 4 perfomances (Karla Sofia Gascon, Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz). Saldana plays the main character and has a lot of intense and showy scenes (especially the musical ones). I'm happy that after all these blockbusters she finally got the role where she could show her acting chops. Gascon plays titular character. It's kinda supporting role but tbh she's the heart of the movie and the whole plot takes place around her. Gomez and Paz were good but I'm suprised they also won the Palme - their perfomances wasn't as great and memorable as Saldana's and Gascon's.

Jacques Audiard's vision is bold and impressive. This movie is stylish and looks beautiful. I love the cinematography and score. Not eveything works perfectly and there were a few moments where I wasn't fully sold out on this but most of the time, I was enjoying it and I was amazed by its craziness, ingenuity and originality. I'm not a big fan of musicals but the musical scenes (which there aren't many) in that movie are gripping and very well choreographed & shot which makes them enjoyable to watch. The songs are catchy and memorable (my favs are about vaginoplasty and the taste of Cola).

"Emilia Perez" is not for everyone. Some people were walking out, some were saying it's one of the worst movies of the festival, some were loving it (including me). General public is not gonna love this. The closest movie to this I've saw is "Annette" by Leos Carax. "Emilia Perez" is more crowd-pleasing, but it's still gonna miss with a lot of people. But I still encourage you to see it. Let's support weird and niche cinema.

Just finished watching Emilia Perez (2024) and it was fine I guess. There is a lot to like and dislike in this movie.

Positives for Emilia Perez (2024): The movie looks good with some great cinematography. The movie does get ambitious with the blending of genre thrown into the mix and I appreciate that. The performances from Zoe Saldana and Karla Sofia Gascon are very good. The musical numbers are fun to watch. And finally, I thought that the movie did a great job at telling it's transgender story.

Mixed for Emilia Perez (2024): While the movie is certainly ambitious with its blending of genres, there are elements to this that felt out of place in this movie. The musical numbers feel like they just came out of nowhere and it felt jarring at times.

Negatives for Emilia Perez (2024): The movie is way too long and I feel that this movie could've told its story with a shorter runtime. The movie lost my interest almost immediately and it just became background noise for me.

Overall, I admired the filmmakers and actors for being ambitious with this movie, it just fully worked for me. However, I would still recommend this movie to people, if they are interested with this movie.

I am Mexican, and I can tell you that this movie is an awful representation of the narcotics problem in Mexico. While the story initially seemed interesting, it quickly became ridiculous. The main premise of the film is that a cruel assassin drug lord becomes a martyr after losing his penis. Additionally, Selena's acting is subpar; she can't even speak Spanish well, despite being cast as a Mexican character. None of the main actors are Mexican, and their Spanish accents come from Spain and the Caribbean, and frankly incomprehensible in Selena's case.

Overall, a good idea turned into a bad movie.

• Watched at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Sep. 14th, 2024 (First Watch)
• Format: Regular theatre
• Rating: 8/10

Im surprised how this film is able to be so many things at the same time. Comedy, drama, action, thriller, self-exploration, AND MUSICAL. It balances each genre and gives it enough time in a way that won't make it seem too much.

Each acting performance in this film is outstanding specifically Zoe Saldana in the first half of the film and Karla Sofía Gascón in the second half of the film who played two roles in this film perfectly. Unfortunately, everything related to Selena Gomez in terms of her acting performance and character needed more effort to be put in. Very weak character that was just there as a filler to make things more complicated for the main protagonist and the events of the story.

Though musicals aren't my thing, this film dealt with that part in such a unique way that made each song performance creative in terms of the directing and lyrics. Two songs that really grabbed my attention is one that touched on a political aspect in Mexico that had such a creative and unique direction to it. The other one really proved Zoe Saldana's performance as it was great with all of the dark and minimum lighting that it had.

I think the film juggles too many themes, and none of them are fully explored, leaving the narrative feeling rushed and incomplete. And as a result, it feels like a collection of ideas rather than a cohesive story.

I also didn't quite understand why it was framed as a musical-this choice felt disconnected from the rest of the story.

The performances are solid, but the characters aren't developed enough to create a lasting emotional connection.

However, I really liked the cinematography, beautifully shot and visually captivating.

To sum up, the movie leaves you wanting more depth and clarity.

Emilia Pérez is a 2024 musical drama starring Zoe Saldana as Rita, a lawyer that is doing her job until a drug lord kidnaps her and requests for a sex change. Along the way we have Selena Gomez play Jessi, the wife of the drug lord that adjusts to new life with the kids she raised with him after the sex change she doesn't know about. Then of course we have Karla Sofía Gascón play Emilia Pérez, the drug lord that changed gender and continues building her (not "him" anymore) empire.

Most of the story is delivered with musical numbers so if you don't like that type of genre, stay away from it. This film in particular had a very strange effect on me after it finished as I kind of went into it blind and to be honest, that's what you should do because the film in general is very unexpected in some places and quite comedic as well. After the director and cast of the film presented it to us, then the film started and the audience spread laughs and joy to some of the aspects of the film and I appreciate that. The film shines best with it's amazing cinematography (which were jaw dropping to say the least), powerhouse acting from all involved and some of the musical numbers.

Now, why I say "some" of the musical numbers, is because most of them are pretty great and impactful to the story but as the film progressed the musical numbers became a lot less eye popping then before and became cliché because of this. The musical performance at the end was dull in my opinion but I think it sumed up some of the story a little bit. But don't listen to me though, as there's a film for everybody and I genuinely liked some of the elements of this film and I think most of you will too when it comes out soon enough.

Overall, while not as greatly delivered as I hoped, Emilia Pérez is still a cinematic achievement in musical numbers and great acting that really makes the film all the more engaging and fun. If you like musicals, give Emilia Pérez a try, I think it does successfully deliver of what audiences can expect out of it.

Grade: A

London Film Festival opening gala.

Came to write this after seeing its gala screening at the London film festival.

A wild, insane roller coaster of a film that mixes crime, comedy, musical and thriller all into one and succeeds with flying colours!

The four actresses at the core are the strength and they were directed to perfection by Audiard.

Karla plays her character pre transition and post as it comes to her naturally, having underdone it publicly as an actor. It's a powerhouse performance that is so of our time. I'm proud to be alive in a time when a trans actress plays a trans role. And not only that, she nails it. The tragedy of leaving a life but the promise of the one she's always needed.

Zoe gets to sing, dance, cry and laugh and everything which I think an actor dreams of doing, let alone in one film. I had never seen a film of hers before and I am so happy this was my first because she shines! There's a scene of her in a car, where realising what has just transpired, she breaks down in hysteria. Think Margo in I, Tonya or Glenn in Dangerous Liasons. That scene alone should win her an Academy award. And she has a beautiful voice!

Selena, for whom I was most excited to see this film, kicks it out of the ballpark. Playing a mob wife, that icy, storm-simmering-below-the-surface kind of woman which she needs to revisit IMO because as a young girl who endured intense scrutiny and then went through a psychosis, she knows it too well what's it like to keep a lid on too long. The one time during the screening where I felt I was having an out of body experience is where her character Jessi finally unleashes her emotions onto us the audience after years of being oppressed. The agony and anger is heard in her voice. It's evidence of why she has said acting is her true calling and how passionate she is about it. It would be stupid to still think she's a disney kid and still has something to prove. Her acting journey is truly so exciting as a fan of almost 2 decades.

Lastly, Adrianas character is like the sunshine in the otherwise dark and twisted world the film lives in. She is poignant! And it perfectly complements the other 3 actresses work. She brings love and softness to the story through her work.

One major thing to note is that this film is like an opera. It reminds one of the Umbrellas of Cherbourg, which was also almost entirely sung. Emotionally it's definitely intense like one, with small moments of calm when you realise you're watching a film.

The cinematography was brilliant. At the end of the film, selenas character lays almost unconscious on the passenger seat as her lover drives in rage. The way the camera pans across the car to her face... it felt like a painting, very poetic but tragic.

So glad to have watched it before it's netflix release. It's amazing when a film can make you feel like this. To take you out of your normal and drive you a bit crazy.

Only money is capable of making someone consider this "film" a good representation of history, culture or anything, on its own or considering the Mexican context. The number of nominations and awards only demonstrates this, that the outpouring of money moves the "vote". The Mexican majority itself finds the film disrespectful. A French director who thinks he "knows" enough about Mexican culture, an international cast (mainly American) with a Mexican actress who isn't even being considered in the awards campaign. It's simply bizarre and frightening that the film industry and academia genuinely consider this work.

A devious yet frequently overlooked Mexico City defense attorney, Rita, attracts the attention of Manitas, a notorious drug lord and criminal mastermind. Manitas has an interesting request and one that Rita entertains at her peril. For staging his murder, secretly obtaining the perfect surgeon, and providing for his family, Manitas will make Rita rich. The trick is that he will be reborn as she; Emilia. Things go well for a time, but the past begins to creep back. Emilia misses her kids and wife, and doesn't like the new influences on their lives. Emilia struggles to live half in one life, and half in another.

This combined narco-thriller, musical, romance, comedy, character-driven social piece, and gender affirmation drama is mind-blowing. The film bumps around to different and interesting locations around the world too. While the film has many plot twists, director Jacques Audiard maintains firm control of the narrative. I really admire and appreciate his work. It is amazing that a film can be so thrilling and funny, and yet manage to get in a plug about the 100,000 plus people who have disappeared in Mexico due to drug violence, but Audiard does it.

True to the film's multi-faceted and surprising nature, the actors won a combined award at the Cannes film festival for their roles (Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, and Karla Sofía Gascón).

The film is intriguing and fascinating because it never loses sight of the human nature component. Emilia's feelings are natural for what someone in her shoes might ask and wonder about. For example, was she really in love and did people love her? Further, I am enthralled with the French style, particularly its rawness. No one pulls any punches, and no censors are active with their censoring. Pride, truth, forgiveness, love, and more, are all on full display.

Interesting concept which the writers used cleverly. It's a musical so be prepared to see some songs here and there during dialogue. It's a unique story which keeps you guessing and you can't help but think what's next. Acting and casting are on point. Flow of the film in the beginning is delicately managed but later acquires a slower pace which I believe is there to engrain character development and invoke emotional appeal. I won't comment on the ending as it would give it away and kill the anticipation that was so carefully built.

It's definitely not a conventional film. I would say you would be shocked from time to time but at one point you will just become immune to it especially to the eccentric characters and bold storyline. Cinematography and direction are commendable as well.

"Emilia Perez" attempts to tackle important themes like missing persons, violence, corruption, and the experiences of trans individuals, set against the backdrop of Mexico City. However, the film falls short by centering these narratives through the perspective of a white Frenchman who seems disconnected from the complexities and realities of these issues. The lack of research and cultural insight is evident, leading to a portrayal that feels superficial and, at times, even exploitative. Instead of shedding light on these serious topics with sensitivity and authenticity, the film glosses over them, ultimately reducing them to mere plot devices. This approach not only misrepresents these profound issues but also perpetuates stereotypes and undermines the lived experiences of those affected by them.

"Emilia Perez" had the potential to provide a powerful commentary, but it's clear that without a deep understanding of the cultural and social landscape of Mexico, it fails to do justice to the stories it seeks to tell.

Rita (Zoe Saldaña), a hard working but under appreciated lawyer is secretly approached by notorious gangster Manitas (Karla Sofía Gascón) who will make her rich if she will discretely arrange for him to disappear, leaving behind his beloved wife Jessi (Selena Gomez) and their children, believing him to be dead and make arrangements for him to fulfill his lifelong wish to become a women. Rita agrees and Emilia Pérez is created. 4 years later Rita and Emilia meet up, with Emilia seeking help once more that will change both their lives forever.

An exceptionally imaginative and brave production that so very easily could have gone badly wrong. You have a sex change (Gascón as both Manitas and Perez is quite unbelievable) intimidation by a vicious gangster, a painful love story that cannot possibly work out, action and violence and to top it off the film is a musical. This is therefore a unique achievement combining so many things that shouldn't gel together but somehow do and it ultimately deserves all the credit its director Jacques Audiard and the 3 female leads will hopefully receive.

As a Mexican this is painful tu watch, as a film lover this es dreadful, if you are going to make a movie about Mexico, HIRE MEXICAN ACTORS! The slang is terrible, not even accurate, is like listening to children cursing !

If you don't speak Spanish, if you have a terrible image of Mexico and if you've never travel here because you are afraid you'll get killed, this is a movie for you!

If you been to this beautiful country and if you understand our language you would agree with me : Esta película no representa a México, ni a su gente, ni a su situación y mucho menos a nuestro idioma.

With that being said, the movie just doesn't work, there is no chemistry between the characters , the story goes nowhere , it is one of the worst movies out there , I swear this is not hate, it's Just Terrible.

Original movie with a lot of creativity.

The good: you get some (little) insight of transgenders, spanish musical singing (sounds much better then english), actrice zoe (rita) and karla, the setting (mexico) and the way you can feel the mexico vibe, some parts of the story where you can clearly feel the quality of the director, the movie is very orginial.

The bad: the biggest problem is that they portray a drugs maffia lord, responsible for 10000 deaths or missing, later on as a good house wife with a good moral sense. That is just a big clap in the face of all people who lost someone because of the drugs wars in reality. The whole basis of this movie just feels wrong and without respect to those people.

What is more bad? It is too long, selena gomez (singers are not automatic good actrices, she is probely choses because of her looks), all main actrices are woman (doesnt work in the film industry), script, story line (many times doesnt make any sense) and a clear goal or motive is missing. What is the point or goal off any of the 3 main actrices of this movie? There is none.

Just a 6 out of 10.

I watched this "masterpiece," as described by Micheal Mann on stage introducing the film, at the opening night of the American French Film Festival in LA. The theatre was full, supporters riding high from collecting accolades at Cannes all the way around to the film festivals circuit, with crew heads held high. And what applauds they deserve. The actors, the plot, the depths of emotion, camera shots and storytelling was absolutely brilliant. The dancing, moving, script, colors, visuals...it's not about man meets woman, it's about anything you want it to be. Those scenes were shot in Paris recreating the stress of Mexico City, just like the plot was meant for you to recreate it any which meaning you want it to give.