Film Review: Emilia Perez – A Bold Crime Musical That Pushes Boundaries

By Corbin Johnson

The second film on our Oscar watchlist is the musical dramedy Emilia Perez, starring Zoe Saldana, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Selena Gomez. The film follows Manitas, a ruthless cartel boss who hires a lawyer named Rita (played by Saldana) to help him undergo gender confirmation surgery, allowing him to escape his violent past and sever ties with the cartel. After the transformation, Manitas becomes Emilia Perez (played by Gascón), hoping to build a new life free from the violence that once defined her.

Emilia Perez is not just a crime film—it’s a genre-blending musical that explores Mexico’s socio-political landscape, tackling issues such as drug trafficking, cartel violence, and personal identity. The film captures your attention with its compelling story and striking visuals, but at times, its musical numbers overstay their welcome. Some songs extend past the four-minute mark when they don’t need to, causing the film to drag in certain moments. For instance, a scene featuring Rita in a surreal laboratory setting, singing about the gender transition process, leaves viewers uncertain—should they be amused, impressed, or both?

Zoe Saldana delivers an absolutely phenomenal performance as Rita. From her intense encounters with the cartel boss to the emotional weight of her songs, Saldana completely disappears into the role, making it clear why she earned an Oscar nomination.

Selena Gomez, who plays Jessi, is also a standout. Even though she wasn’t nominated for Best Supporting Actress, her performance is strong enough to make audiences question the Academy’s decision. Gomez showcases a new level of depth and complexity, proving just how far she has come since her Disney Channel days. Jessi is a multi-faceted character, requiring Gomez to switch between different emotions and personas, and she delivers in every scene.

The film’s musical sequences, crafted by composer Clément Ducol and choreographer Damien Jalet, serve as a window into the characters’ private thoughts. One standout scene shows Rita breaking into song in a grocery store while people chant “rising and falling” around her. The scene seamlessly transitions into a moment of solitude, as Rita sits at her laptop—illustrating how these musical numbers act as escapes from the characters’ harsh realities.

Director Jacques Audiard executes his cinematography and transitions masterfully, immersing viewers in a visually rich and stylized world. However, the writing occasionally falls flat—some line deliveries don’t land as they should. Fortunately, the film’s editing smooths out most of these missteps.

Karla Sofía Gascón delivers an outstanding performance as Emilia Perez, portraying the inner turmoil of a woman grappling with her past, the pain of abandoning her family, and the emotional weight of her transformation. Her dynamic with Saldana’s Rita is the emotional core of the film, as their initial encounter sets off a series of life-altering decisions.

Emilia Perez is now streaming on Netflix, and if you’re looking for a crime musical that challenges conventions, this film is worth watching. With its powerful performances, captivating visuals, and thought-provoking themes, it’s a story that will leave you with a whirlwind of emotions and spark meaningful discussions. While it’s not without flaws, Emilia Perez is a bold and unique cinematic experience that deserves attention.