You either love it or hate it, which seems to be the conclusion sparked by the film Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard. The French movie set in Mexico has become one of the most talked-about topics of the 2025 awards season. With 13 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón, this production has ignited debate and drawn much criticism from Mexicans.
What is Emilia Pérez about?
The plot of Emilia Pérez is a complex mix of genres, including musical comedy, crime drama, and social commentary. The story follows Juan “Manitas” Del Monte, a powerful Mexican drug lord who, tired of his criminal life and ready to embrace his true identity, decides to undergo a gender transition to become Emilia Pérez. This radical change not only transforms his life but also deeply affects those around him.
To execute his plan, “Manitas” hires Rita Mora Castro, a young Mexican lawyer played by Zoe Saldaña, who initially accepts the job due to the lucrative sums offered. However, her involvement forces her to face profound ethical and emotional dilemmas, especially as Emilia’s criminal past starts interfering with her quest for redemption. As the narrative unfolds, the movie tackles complex topics like gender identity, the impact of drug trafficking on Mexican communities, and second chances.
The film takes viewers on a journey that begins in the dark corridors of drug trafficking in Mexico and ends in London, where Emilia tries to build a new life while wrestling with the ghosts of her past. This journey is accompanied by a vibrant soundtrack featuring original songs by Camille and Clément Ducol, blending emotional and playful musical moments to complement the narrative. Each scene, rich in symbolism, invites the audience to reflect on the complexities of identity and the capacity for personal transformation.
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Who plays Emilia Pérez?
The lead role of Emilia Pérez is portrayed by Karla Sofía Gascón, who makes history as the first trans woman nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards. Gascón delivers an emotionally charged performance, bringing to life a complex character grappling with her criminal past and internal struggle for authenticity.
Who is in the full cast of Emilia Pérez?
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’ wife, who copes with changes in her family.
- Adriana Paz as Epifanía, a character whose narrative arc addresses the victims of drug trafficking.
- Édgar Ramírez as Gustavo Brun, a policeman with a complex relationship with Emilia’s family.
Where was Emilia Pérez filmed?
Although the story is set in Mexico, most of the movie was filmed 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 striking yet fictional world.
Why is the movie controversial?
The controversy surrounding Emilia Pérez stems from several factors:
- Cultural representation: Although the story takes place in Mexico, it has been criticized for its superficial portrayal of Mexican culture, including stereotypes and Spanish that some consider unnatural.
- French direction: Jacques Audiard, a French director, has been questioned for tackling themes like drug trafficking and violence in Mexico without a deep understanding of the local reality.
- Cast selection: The lack of Mexican actors in leading roles has drawn criticism, especially in a context where the Mexican film industry fights for greater representation in its own stories.
- Narrative tone: The mix of musical comedy with a serious theme like drug trafficking has divided opinions, with some praising its originality and others criticizing its lack of sensitivity.
When will Emilia Pérez be released in Mexico?
After its release in France on August 21, 2024, and on Netflix US in November of the same year, Emilia Pérez will arrive in Mexican theaters on January 23, 2025. It has not yet been confirmed whether it will be available on Netflix Mexico.
How many awards has it won so far?
The film has been successful at international festivals and award ceremonies:
- Cannes Film Festival 2024: Jury Prize and Best Actress for the female cast.
- Golden Globes 2025: Four awards, including Best Musical or Comedy Film and Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña.
- BAFTA Awards: Eleven nominations, with wins for Gascón and Saldaña.
- European Film Awards: Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actress.
Is Emilia Pérez based on a true story?
No, the story of Emilia Pérez is not based on real events. Jacques Audiard drew inspiration from the novel Écoute by Boris Razon, which features a drug lord with a desire to transition genders. Audiard expanded this idea to develop the script and create a multifaceted character combining fictional elements with current social themes.
When are the 2025 Oscars?
The Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. With 12 nominations, Emilia Pérez is one of the favorites, although it will compete with other acclaimed productions like Dune: Part Two and The Brutalist.
