Review: Emilia Pérez

Netflix premiered its Cannes Festival-winning drama Emilia Pérez last week, just as Oscar-chasing season begins. The mostly foreign-language melodrama centers on a Mexican defense attorney (a solid Zoe Saldana) who finds herself aiding Emilia Pérez, a transwoman (Karla Sofia Gascón), in a humbling humanitarian effort. However, the sins of Emilia’s past resurface with devastating results.

The film caused quite a stir at the film festival, earning the first Lead Actress Award for a transwoman in Gascón. But it also was a film that could not be easily described. On the surface, it’s a beautiful queer story; a journey to self-love and identity. A story that may not be as present as we cascade into 2025 under this new administration. It’s also a gripping tale of the cycle of violence and corruption from powerful people at all levels and identities to remain in power. To sustain control. These moments are quite compelling, and one of its strengths.

The curveball is a third of the film being a musical. Yes, that is correct. Five minutes into the movie, Saldana’s Rita Mora Castro breaks into song, as she constructs a closing argument in defense of a client: a man accused of murder. Again, the theme of moral grays is apparent, especially as Castro’s fantastic monologue is delivered by her male colleague. Some musical numbers are stronger than others: Saldana carries, specifically a song targeting blood money for a worthy cause. And a hauntingly somber ballad honoring the murdered and missing victims of drug cartels.

While most of the movie is strong, things fall apart toward the end with the central conflict coming to a head. The level of escalation is a bit egregious, to say the least, but links back to the roots of our central character.

Powerful performances from Saldana and Gascón and some memorable songs could earn Oscar hardware. The film also stars Selena Gomez and Édgar Ramírez.

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5