Emilia Pérez

"4⭐️ After winning the Golden Globe over WICKED it finally was time to see EMILIA PÉREZ. I think I was reticent about how the content was going to be presented, especially as a musical. I was pleasantly surprised. Mostly. The story itself is unique and engrossing, the pacing held my attention on the screen, and plotwise I had to see where the journey ultimately led. The script though is certainly imperfect, jumping over way too much and skimming past plot details and character motivations, which really needed to be more fully fleshed out. And I cannot really say it did work as a musical. The songs were mediocre, sometimes even embarrassing or disruptive, doing little to drive the narrative which made it all seem superfluous. Though... would it have gotten as much attention if not for the musical aspect? 🤷‍♀️ I’m sure others enjoyed the music. Just my opinion. However … As a dramatic thriller I found it compelling and thought provoking. As social commentary it’s a LOT. Drug trafficking, violence, women and men disappeared by the cartel, abuse, repression .. all viewed through a lens of transition, mostly of identity and redemption. The catalyst of which is the central character’s journey, not only in body, but moving from corrupt and destructive to humane and philanthropic. And although fulfilling one’s deepest needs of self and authentic-being is a deeply profound transformation, can that much of an ethical stretch go along with it? This is a trans story like no other, posing some intriguing questions that had never occurred to me. This film is not so much an introspective on trans identity but at heart about loss and love and the futility of grasping onto what must be left behind. I don’t think it deserved its win over WICKED (full disclosure I’ve not seen yet but by all accounts lives up to the show, which I have) yet it does hold a place in 21st century cinema for its boldness in style and innovative approach to lgbtq+ storytelling. "

"TLDR: negatives = acting/casting, music, portrayal of Mexico. positive = very original story. As a Spanish speaker, I needed those subtitles more than usual. The dialogue was strange at times, and if I'm to be honest, the casting could've been done better. To me it seemed that they prioritized picking two big names that would get people to watch instead of the right people for the roles. I'm a fan of both Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez, but ZS didn't sound Mexican and for a good chunk of the movie I thought she was supposed to be (it's later revealed she identifies as Mexican as she went to school there but is from the Dominican Republic..), what saved her character for me was actually SG, cause the casting people really did her dirty. If you don't understand Spanish, this may go over your head, maybe not, but her way of speaking wasn't natural at all and was too obviously scripted. Being that her character was from the US and that the other characters understood English (and she understood Spanish) they could have had her speak in mostly English and keep everyone else in Spanish. And if they didn't want to do that, get someone who can play that role! It was bad enough when she was talking normally, but then also having her get upset in Spanish .. no. In general, I didn't like the movie: liking any musical is always an exception and each time they sang it pushed me away from the story; a French man making a movie using Mexico as the backdrop already had me skeptical and to not ever see the beauty of the culture highlighted felt very one-sided as this focused on the corruption and violence in Mexico (the social commentary on sexuality and family felt more broad). The actual story was interesting but it was hard to get into with so many negatives. If you're gonna watch, consider using subtitles, and the mute button. 1/5⛷️"

"I really dug this fascinating film! Focusing on a lawyer who is forced to help a gangster disappear in order to fulfill her dream of transitioning into a woman, this film is filled with original musical numbers (entirely in Spanish language) that are dazzling and very well staged. Easily the execution of the seamless transition between dialogues and dance sequences (that never feel out of place) is highlight of this film, executed in a manner that keeps it engaging and interesting to watch. Solid direction and especially editing and score, paired with fantastic production values. None of this would be possible without incredible performances from the entire cast, with Zoe Saldaña easily being the MVP as the lawyer (would make a very deserving Oscar winner for Supporting Actress if it pans out), along with Selena Gomez (legitimately fantastic) and Karla Sofía Gascón (incredible as the woman who undergoes the gender transition). Outside of Indian cinema, this is one very interesting blend of genres I’m seeing incorporated in a film. Very highly recommended watch at the very least for the acting and the interesting blend of genres. Side Note: The 4 main actresses (Gascón, Gomez, Saldaña, and Adriana Paz) shared the Best Actress prize at Cannes Film Festival , and it was easy to see why, as this is an ensemble film and all performances complement each other really well."

"7.5 out of 10"

"Not for me. Too many random plot points. Why why why is it a musical?? How is this getting awards? My only theory is that it's chosen for its wokeness... doesn't deserve a nomination in my opinion. "

"After winning some Golden Globes for this film, I think the people who are hating on this film did not watch it. Just finished it and have to say I was fascinated. Very original and interesting. Finally not some other remake or similar plot to other films done before. "

"Somehow! At first, I thought this had everything against it: subtitles, musical emphasis, cartels, outrageousness, trans, etc. Yet, it all comes together. The plot of lawyer (Zoe) meeting a cartel boss who seeks to be a woman is wild and provocative. This film is more than the sum of its parts. Some may see it as a message. I marvel how it, somehow, becomes a plausible narrative. "

"This is a very unique film. Some Good Some Bad. Liked the story and the acting both main characters were great!! Musicals are not for me! But overall, ok and unique 7/10."

"Netflix "

"I am gonna say I was a little skeptical with Emilia Pérez movie and the first few minute I wasn’t buying it buuuuut I will say it by the end I def enjoyed it. I don’t think it’s for everyone and I am not saying because I’ve seen a lot of reviews abt the “wokeness” lol of the film but I think because it’s very different and it takes viewers out of their comfort zone as to what they expect from the movie industry. I def think this movie will become a cult classic!!! The only negative is Selena Gomez Spanish. I would’ve liked less of it. "