Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez isn’t your typical crime drama. This fever-dream musical, packed with vibrant visuals and audacious storytelling, follows the journey of Emilia, a powerful cartel leader in Mexico, on her path to self-discovery and redemption. But here’s the twist: Emilia (Karla Sofía Gascón) enlists Rita (Zoe Saldaña), a fed-up lawyer, to help her fake her own death. Why? To finally live as her true self.
With stunning performances from Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, and Edgar Ramírez, this film stands out as a daring exploration of identity, love, and redemption—all through the lens of unapologetic song, dance, and raw emotion. Here’s everything that makes Emilia Pérez an unforgettable cinematic journey.
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A Plot That Defies Conventions
In Emilia Pérez, Audiard (known for Rust and Bone and A Prophet) blends genre-defying elements to tell Emilia’s story—a character who, after years as a ruthless cartel leader, decides to abandon it all to live life on her terms. This journey, filled with high stakes and hidden romance, allows Emilia to finally embrace her identity. Gascón, who plays Emilia, hopes audiences walk away with a profound sense of empathy and acceptance. “I hope that all audiences see that there are people who are different among us who deserve all due respect,” Gascón shares.
But it’s not just Emilia’s transformation that makes the story so compelling. The film highlights Emilia’s LGBTQ+ relationship with Epifanía (Adriana Paz), a love story that radiates tenderness and vulnerability, making it feel both real and quietly revolutionary. Gascón adds, “I want people to focus on this beautiful LGBTQ relationship… just that it’s something normal.”
A Story with Heart, Grit, and Feminine Strength
Audiard’s female-led cast delivers power-packed performances that range from fierce to tender. Zoe Saldaña’s portrayal of Rita brings a mix of humor and resilience to the screen, especially during an electrifying musical number, El Mal. Saldaña recalls the intensity of filming it: “I’m so proud of my work… It’s a moment in Rita’s life where we rehearsed, prepared, discussed, and then just threw ourselves into it.”
Adriana Paz, who plays Epifanía, shines as the grounding force for Emilia. Paz’s character radiates warmth, hope, and a softness that contrasts beautifully with the hard edges of Emilia’s past. She explains, “People think being vulnerable is weak, but kindness and tenderness are strengths… If we do things with love, the results are always going to be better.”
The Power of Music and Dance
Music isn’t just an element of Emilia Pérez—it’s the soul of the film. Clément Ducol and Camille’s original score weaves through the story, elevating emotional moments to new heights. For Adriana Paz, her solo number holds a special place: “It’s a whole experience, but I really enjoyed watching that part and singing as well.” The musical moments capture the tension, release, and passion that define Emilia’s journey.
Selena Gomez also brings her spark to the cast, portraying Jessi, a supporting character who lights up the screen with her own bold energy. Gomez shares that working on Emilia Pérez was a learning experience, saying, “I’m grateful we get to celebrate [our true selves], however it looks.”
A Celebration of Queer Love and Liberation
At its core, Emilia Pérez celebrates love, liberation, and authenticity. Audiard’s vision turns a crime drama into a transformative journey of self-acceptance. With a diverse cast and themes of queer love, Emilia Pérez holds a mirror to society’s evolving understanding of identity and respect. Saldaña sums up the film’s message: “I hope people take away that love can conquer anything… It’s important to just lead with your heart.”
Emilia Pérez is a striking reminder that love, in all its forms, deserves a voice. With its fearless story and powerful performances, this film marks a new era for queer cinema, one where every character’s story deserves to be told.
Watch the full interview below. Emilia Pérez will be in select theaters on November 1 and on Netflix on November 13.
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