A powerful and unique musical drama led by a cast of undeniable talent
Written and directed by Jacques Audiard, Emilia Pérez tells the compelling story of Rita (Zoe Saldaña) a hard working defence lawyer in Mexico. Rita is contacted by a notorious crime boss, Juan "Manitas" Del Monte (Karla Sofía Gascon), who wishes to discreetly undergo gender-affirming surgery. Rita shows compassion for Manitas' seemingly genuine desire for the surgery and finds a doctor in Bangkok to perform it. Manitas’ oblivious wife, Jessi (Selena Gomez) and children are relocated to Switzerland. Manitas’ fakes a death and begins her life as Emilia Pérez. Things get complicated years later when Emila wants to reconnect with her grieving wife and children.
It's a pretty implausible story but sold by the three leads. Zoe Saldaña who really throws herself into this role emotionally and physically during some very intense musical dance numbers. The dual roles played by Karla Sofiá Gascón are also to be commended, here she plays the very glamourous Emilia and the pre surgery Manitas (under some heavy prosthetics) with such humanity and underlying temper, a remnant of her crime boss past. This holy trinity of actors if completed by a raw and no nonsense performance from Selena Gomez.
This is a thoughtful and thought provoking film. Unfortunately, none of the tracks reach "earworm" status like you would hope for, despite incredible dedication from the cast, this is very much a better drama than it is a musical.
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