by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Who is in all on the Pablo Larraín hype train now? With unique and haunting biopics like Jackie and Spencer in his filmography, how couldn’t you be? After Kristen Stewart made a huge splash in his film in 2021, there was another film flying well under the radar that deserves just as much attention. But one thing is for certain, Ema is a challenging experience for the viewer. This film is a mix of musical and dance, and a deeply powerful “romance” and drama. It does not shy away from provocative ideas and boundary-pushing relationships.
Is Larraín able to bring his unique vision to the film? The most striking aspect of the film is when Ema can focus on the impressive dance numbers performed by Ema (Mariana Di Girólamo) and her crew. Their Reggaeton numbers are perfectly choreographed, and the direction is bold and engrossing. Larraín’s use of light and colors is strikingly beautiful, and the camera presents everything in an engaging and alluring manner. This same energy and emotion are also injected into the intimate scenes in the film as well. There are plenty of steamy and sexy scenes (including an unexpected lesbian orgy). Can you see that this film is quite the unique experience yet? Every single frame is evocative and gorgeous to look at. There is unique energy about it as well.
But where does this beautiful and striking film take the audience? There are plenty of layers in this narrative to process and sift through. At the core, this film is about one romance between the titular Ema and Gaston (Gael García Bernal). Even their relationship bleeds into different aspects of the story. There is their romantic relationship that is fractured and pushing both into other directions, there is their failed attempt at being parents as their adopted child is taken for being a dangerous pyromaniac, and there is the tension between them on a professional level with Gaston being the leader of the group where Ema is trying to reshape things. This crazy web is handled with shocking care and energy by Larraín. There are plenty of affairs, kidnappings, and breakout dance numbers. What a crazy ride this film is!
With deft direction, what else brings this crazy and absurd drama to life? The actors. This film is full of raw and committed performances from all. I could easily leave it at that but that would do a disservice to the leads of the film. Di Girolamo is a lightning rod that drives this story forward. She kills it with every dance number and sexy scene (so strange to write that). Her handling of the most dramatic moments is impressive as well. There are constant arguments in the film between Ema and Gaston which could easily feel melodramatic, but Di Girolamo does her part to ground them with impressive raw emotion. But so does Bernal who portrays Gaston. He is a veteran actor with plenty of incredible performances in his career, but he really shines in this film. The tension between these two actors (in all forms) is poignant and raw. Every time one of them makes a connection with another character (both platonic and sexual), you can feel why.
When all is said and done, is Ema worth the ride? If someone watching the film can get past the excessive sex and challenging themes, this is one of the most exciting films of this last year. With its release on DVD and Blu-ray, take the time to check this one out. Larraín is one of the most exciting directors working today and it would be a shame to miss out on such a gem of a film.
Grade: A-
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