Johanne Sacreblu, the mexican musical short film that has sparked a viral phenomenon, has positioned itself as Mexico’s irreverent response to the French movie Emilia Pérez. In less than 48 hours, the short film has garnered over 800,000 views on YouTube, accompanied by comments ranging from enthusiastic praise to humorous critiques of its cultural representation.
Below, we explore the details behind this project that has ignited social media and generated a massive digital conversation.
What is ‘Johanne Sacreblu’?
Johanne Sacreblu is a 28-minute musical short film directed by Mexican filmmaker Camila D. Aurora. The work parodies and critiques the French movie Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard, which received controversy in Mexico due to its representation of sensitive cultural and social issues.
In this Mexican reinterpretation, we follow the life of Johanne, formerly known as Jonathan Sacreblu, a transgender woman from Villa Croissant, a fictional French village where family rivalries over baguette production dominate daily life.
The plot unfolds in a satirical setting filled with French clichés, from caricatured characters with berets and mustaches to references to croissants and soccer player Kylian Mbappé.
Why has it caused such a stir?
The controversy surrounding Emilia Pérez, which addresses the transformation of a drug lord who changes gender to escape justice, was the catalyst for the creation of Johanne Sacreblu. While the French film was criticized for its superficial treatment of cultural themes and lack of connection with the Mexican audience, Johanne Sacreblu has been praised for its humorous approach and its ability to punch back with an exaggerated representation of French stereotypes.
With phrases like “What elegance France has” and “I can still feel the pain from that damn crêpe just thinking about you,” the short film combines satire, comedy, and music to connect with the Mexican audience, who have enthusiastically viralized it on social media.
Where to watch ‘Johanne Sacreblu’?
The short film is available on YouTube, where it has become a viral sensation. Its accessibility has allowed thousands to enjoy and share it, driving a digital conversation that questions cultural representations in international cinema.
To watch it, simply search for Johanne Sacreblu on the creators’ official channel. Currently, it has a 4.6 out of 5 rating on Letterboxd, notably higher than the 2.4 score held by Emilia Pérez on the same platform.
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Just came to see the comments…
The impact of Johanne Sacreblu is not only reflected in its views but also in the flood of humorous comments it has sparked on social media. Many of these comments are an experience in themselves due to their creativity. Most agree in criticizing ‘Emilia Pérez’ for stereotyping Mexico and Mexicans.
- “As a veterinarian who once treated a French poodle, I feel qualified to say this is ART.”
- “I’m Dominican, and since my country shares a border with Haiti, which was colonized by the French, I can say this perfectly represents French culture.”
- “As a fan of Ladybug and Chat Noir, I consider myself an expert in French culture. This is beautiful, congratulations!”
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Who plays Emilia Pérez?
The lead role of Emilia Pérez is played by Karla Sofía Gascón, who makes history as the first transgender woman nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars. Gascón delivers an emotionally charged performance, bringing to life a complex character facing both her criminal past and her inner struggle for authenticity.
Who is in the full cast? Emilia Pérez’s cast
The cast of Emilia Pérez includes:
- Zoe Saldaña as Rita Mora Castro, the lawyer who helps Emilia change her life.
- Selena Gomez as Jessi, Manitas’s wife, who deals with changes in her family.
- Adriana Paz as Epifanía, a woman whose narrative arc addresses the victims of drug trafficking.
- Édgar Ramírez as Gustavo Brun, a police officer with a complex relationship with Emilia’s family.
Where was Emilia Pérez filmed?
Although the story is set in Mexico, most of the film was shot in studios in Paris. Jacques Audiard chose this location to control all aspects of production, from sets to lighting, allowing him to create a visually impactful but fictional world.
Why is the movie controversial?
The controversy surrounding Emilia Pérez has several layers:
- Cultural representation: Although the story is set in Mexico, it has been criticized for its superficial portrayal of Mexican culture, including stereotypes and Spanish that some find unnatural.
- French direction: Jacques Audiard, a French director, has been questioned for addressing topics like drug trafficking and violence in Mexico without a deep understanding of local realities.
- Cast selection: The lack of Mexican actors in lead roles has drawn criticism, especially in a context where the Mexican film industry struggles for greater representation in its own stories.
- Narrative tones: The mix of musical comedy with a serious topic like drug trafficking has divided opinions, with some applauding its originality and others criticizing its lack of sensitivity.
