Emilia Pérez Review: Jacques Audiard’s Bold Musical Thriller
“Emilia Pérez,” Jacques Audiard’s ambitious musical thriller on MUBI, blends crime, drama, and redemption while exploring gender identity and reinvention.
A Bold Reinvention: Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez
A Genre-Bending Tale
Jacques Audiard, celebrated French auteur and Palme d’Or winner, steps into uncharted territory with Emilia Pérez, a dazzling, genre-fluid film now streaming in India on MUBI. Part musical, part crime thriller, and part redemption story, the movie defies categorization, offering an audacious blend of styles. While its ambition is undeniable, its execution is as jagged as its themes—at times uneven but consistently captivating.
With Emilia Pérez, Audiard evokes echoes of Indian cinema, blending Ekta Kapoor-style melodrama and Farah Khan-esque musical extravagance. Yet, the film’s take on gender identity, transformation, and family dynamics is firmly rooted in global narratives, reflecting a universal struggle for acceptance and redemption.
Plot: Crime Meets Redemption
Zoe Saldaña stars as Rita, a morally compromised lawyer whose professional frustrations lead her into the orbit of a powerful cartel boss, Manitas. Played initially with grit, Manitas is later reborn as Emilia Pérez, portrayed by Karla Sofía Gascón, a trans actor whose performance brings layers of vulnerability and strength to the role.
Rita’s journey takes her across the globe—from Bangkok to Tel Aviv—on a quest to arrange a covert gender-affirming surgery for Manitas. After the transformation, Emilia grapples with her past as a crime boss while seeking reconciliation with her estranged family. Selena Gomez plays Jessi, Manitas’ wife, who unknowingly becomes part of Emilia’s bid for redemption.
In a poignant twist, Emilia sets up an NGO to aid women affected by gang violence, a symbolic gesture that underscores her desire to atone for her former life. Audiard weaves a narrative filled with striking contrasts: gritty crime sequences juxtaposed with moments of tender humanity, and exuberant musical numbers that shift between introspection and flamboyance.
A Daring Take on Gender Identity
Audiard approaches gender identity with a mix of empathy and artistic license. While the film’s depiction of the trans experience has sparked debates, it is impossible to miss the deep compassion extended to Emilia and the other central women. Each character undergoes her own reinvention, breaking free from societal or self-imposed restraints to find empowerment.
However, the portrayal is not without its flaws. Critics have noted the binary depiction of Emilia’s transformation, which some argue reduces the complexity of the trans experience. Yet, the film’s emotional resonance and bold storytelling ensure that it remains a heartfelt exploration of identity and acceptance.
Performances and Musical Highlights
The trio of Saldaña, Gascón, and Gomez anchors the film with dynamic performances. Saldaña’s Rita transitions from a hardened lawyer to an advocate for change, while Gomez surprises as the emotionally conflicted Jessi. Gascón, in the titular role, delivers a show-stopping performance, balancing Emilia’s regrets and resilience with finesse.
Musically, the film is a mixed bag. While Audiard’s staging elevates each song with striking visuals and dynamic choreography, the melodies themselves lack memorability. The standout moments come not from the tunes but from how they reflect the characters’ emotional journeys.
A Visual and Emotional Spectacle
Visually, Emilia Pérez is stunning, with bold lighting choices and intricate camerawork that reflect the characters’ internal conflicts. Audiard’s direction, though brash and uneven at times, captures the film’s chaotic energy. From the vibrant streets of Mexico City to the serene vistas of Switzerland, every frame pulsates with emotion and ambition.
Final Thoughts: A Risk Worth Taking
Emilia Pérez is not a perfect film, but it is a fearless one. Jacques Audiard pushes the boundaries of genre and storytelling, crafting a movie that demands attention despite its imperfections. With its unique blend of crime, music, and redemption, the film resonates as a tale of transformation—both literal and metaphorical.
While the film’s depiction of gender politics invites scrutiny, its empathetic core and strong performances ensure it remains a compelling watch. For those willing to embrace its audacity, Emilia Pérez offers a cinematic experience like no other.