by Samuel Nichols, Contributing Writer
Emilia Pérez is a full movie. On one hand, we have the story of Rita (Zoe Saldaña), a lawyer who is doing what it takes to survive by working for a cartel, while also just trying to make a difference as a district attorney. Then there’s her boss, the titular Emilia (Karla Sofía Gascón). As a trans woman, she is trying to find a way to still be in lives of her kids, who she left behind for their safety from her enemies. Her ex-wife, Jessi (Selena Gomez), is under constant pressure to keep her children from their father’s world. Did I mention all of this is wrapped up in a musical?
I need a breath after writing all that out. In just a paragraph, it does not look like much, but there is no room for error just watching this movie. You have to be focused. That does not make for an enjoyable and relaxing experience all the time. But it is a rewarding one. Seeing all the threads of this movie put into a beautiful tapestry helped me see the art in the film making. Maybe trying to balance on these plates on sticks would be too much for other Q3 movies (*cough cough* Joker: Folie a Deux *cough cough*). But Emilia is up for the task. Director and writer Jacques Audiard deserves credit for creating such an impressive story and balancing it all.
That musical aspect works in a seamless way, acting as a conduit for the odyssey of the titular Emilia, and her co-lead Rita. These grand displays of emotion and inner thoughts allow us to get into their heads. Add some great set design and cinematography, you’ve got a musical that’s comparable to some big names of the past. Will it go down with the same level of fame as some others, like Wicked will later this year? Likely not, but that does not mean it’s just as good to me.
Speaking of just as good, there is a fair amount of buzz around the three leads of our story in Saldaña, Gascon, and Gomez. While all of them are well deserving of the praise they are receiving, I am honestly most impressed by Gomez of the three. She has the smallest role, but her acting is just so different from what is to be expected of her career. She’s made a living off being the lovable and funny neighbor or Disney Disney star, but here she is completely unhinged to a level I have never for her before. She’s volatile, angry, scared, and nurturing all at once. I am very impressed by her performance. While I understand her costars’ buzz, Gomez takes the cake for me.
While I do feel rewarded having seen and taken in Emilia Pérez, I think it will only be improved upon with further viewings. It is hard for me to find time to watch a movie a second time, especially during this time of year, but I want to find a way for this one.
Rating: Liked It
Emilia Pérez is currently streaming on Netflix
You can read more from Samuel Nichols, and follow him on Twitter and Letterboxd