With its vibrant musical numbers and complex character arcs, Netflix's latest film, Emilia Pérez, has generated significant buzz, especially around its leads, Karla Sofía Gascón and Selena Gomez. The film, directed by Jacques Audiard, showcases the extraordinary transformation of the protagonist, who navigates identity, family, and societal expectations.
At the heart of the film is Karla Sofía Gascón, who not only plays the titular role but also passionately advocated for portraying her character both before and after her transition. Gascón’s innate desire to showcase this duality stemmed from her belief in the significance of representation. "I knew I was ready to show, by way of example, as they say in Spain," she said, spiritedly discussing her motivation to tackle both roles. Gascón described her experience as “marvelous,” emphasizing the challenges and joys it brought to her acting skills.
Initially known as Manitas del Monte, the character is depicted as a brutal Mexican cartel boss. The plot takes a bold turn as Manitas fakes their own death and transitions, embarking on a quest to reconnect with the family left behind, including wife Jessie, played by Gomez. The film’s narrative dives deep as Emilia emerges seeking love and belonging, setting up elements of poignancy alongside its musical flair.
Gascón shared her sentiments about merging the dualities of masculinity and femininity, stating, "The experience of the polarities should not divide us, be it good and evil, violence and love." Gascón’s impactful portrayal was helped by director Audiard’s unorthodox approach to direction, asking questions rather than giving strict guidelines. This created space for actors to explore their characters’ complex emotional landscapes.
Selena Gomez, stepping out of her comfort zone, takes on the challenge with enthusiasm, particularly notable as it's her first project entirely performed in Spanish. Gomez shines as Jessie, Emilia's partner, bringing her own Mexican-American heritage to the forefront. Her dedication to the language and her performance resonate deeply with her family, especially her father. "It meant the world to me... it meant a lot to my family," she stated, reminiscing about the pride her dad expressed after hearing her speak Spanish on set.
The song "Mi Camino," performed by Gomez, serves as the film's emotional keystone, capturing the essence of her character’s development. Crafted by the French songwriting duo Clément Ducol and Camille Dalmais, the song reflects nostalgia blended with modern Latin rhythms—designed to cater to both the character and Gomez herself. Gomez's commentary on her father's pride surfaces as she recollects, "He was even so proud. He was like, ‘You’re texting me, mija,’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’m texting you in Spanish.’" This playful exchange highlights her commitment to embracing her roots and exploring her cultural identity through this role.
Musically, the underlying emotional currents of Emilia Pérez are palpable. Dalmais discusses how they crafted the song, stating, "Jacques wanted it to sound like an ’80s hit people were dancing to..." This transformation reflects the film's playful yet poignant narrative shift, utilizing live orchestral elements, Latin percussion, and layered vocals to create something contemporary yet reminiscent of past musical styles.
Gascón, too, acknowledges the importance of representation within the Latino community, noting how Emilia Pérez has sparked interest and enthusiasm among minorities, with the character serving as a symbol of hope and aspiration for many underrepresented groups. The film encourages solidarity and recognition of the cultural wealth experienced across different Latin communities, urging viewers to engage with their stories.
The film began making waves earlier this year, premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, where it snagged several awards, including accolades for its strong female ensemble. Following its positive reception, it continued onto the Toronto International Film Festival and became highly anticipated for its Netflix release set for November. Gomez expressed gratitude for director Audiard’s faith, stating, "I couldn’t be more grateful to him... I hope this is just the beginning.”
With the blend of powerful performances, engaging musical numbers, and poignant storytelling, Emilia Pérez promises to be not just another musical but a narrative loaded with heart, cultural resonance, and undeniable representation. The filmmakers aim to highlight not just the drama of transformation but the importance of connecting with one’s roots, making it both relatable and celebratory.
