⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

by Jerry Morrison

As a movie critic, I love to go into a movie blind, knowing little to nothing about the flick I'm about to experience. When I fired up my projector on a recent Tuesday morning and put on Emilia Perez, I had zero expectations and didn't know what to expect. That's not to suggest that I hadn't heard anything at all about the movie. Recently, I heard the title mentioned by one of my favorite YouTube creators, The Awards Contender, saying how much he believed the movie would likely receive attention during awards season. The only other thing I knew about the movie is that it's classified as a musical-crime-comedy. I'm a fan of genre-bending whether it's in the stories I write or in the movies I watch. And Emilia Perez is genre-bending at it's finest.

Karla Sofia Gascon turns in a brilliant performance as a ring leader of a drug cartel who hires an attorney (Zoe Saldana) to help her transition to a woman. Complicating matters, of course, is her line of work as well as the fact that she's married to a spitfire of a woman (Selena Gomez) and has two children. The only option is to disappear after transitioning which is exactly what Manitas, now Emilia, does. But, the heart wants what the heart wants and after a few years, Emilia yearns to be reunited with her children, who both believe that their father has died. 

If this sounds like a crazy setup for a movie, I'm inclined to agree with you. Emilia Perez is one of the most original movies that I've seen in a while, anchored by a few stellar performances. Not the least of which is given by Gascon, who stands a very good chance at becoming the second transgender actor (the first being Elliot Page) to receive a Best Actress Oscar nomination. Speaking about awards possibilities, Selena Gomez shines as Manitas' grieving wife. It wouldn't surprise if she receives a nomination for her riveting, supporting performance, especially if Emilia Perez has a highly succesful awards season.

So, what about the music? After all, musicals largely succeed based on their tunes. The songs in Emilia Perez were written by Camille and most are quite catching. They supplement the story nicely and never feel intrusive. However, the English translation of the lyrics aren't nearly as rhythmic as the Spanish version. Unfortunately, I found this lessened the effect the songs may have otherwise had.

Even though Emilia Perez has a darker tone, most of the comedy elements resonated with me. Kudos to writer/director Jacques Audiard for crafting such a unique, entertaining flick. I have the feeling that this is the type of movie that Todd Phillips envisioned for his Joker: Folie a Deux, another genre-bending affair that attempted to blend the dark DC superhero movie with a classic, Hollywood musical. But, unlike Joker 2, Emilia Perez was made with a heart--a lot of heart.

Although I friggin' loved Emilia Perez, the movie won't be for everyone. First of all, there's A LOT of music in this movie so if you're not a fan of movie musicals, chances are Emilia Perez won't be your cup of tea. Secondly, the movie is largely in Spanish with English subtitles. If you're opposed to "reading" your movies, all the subtitles could become annoying. Lastly, Emilia Perez contains very contentious themes which some will find offensive. So, if you are prone to getting offended at movies with unapologetic, transgender characters (and actor), then Emelia Perez isn't for you. However, if you dig original, cutting edge movies, Emilia Perez may be your thing. As it was mine.

Rated R

Starring: Zoe Saldana, Karla Sofia Gascon, Selena Gomez

Written by: Jacques Audiard

Directed by: Jacques Audiard