As a queer individual who has navigated my own journey through the complexities of identity and societal expectations, I found myself both captivated and conflicted while watching Emilia Pérez. The film is undoubtedly groundbreaking, combining the genres of musicals and crime dramas in a way that is visually stunning yet emotionally raw. The story of Emilia, played by Karla Sofía Gascón, as a cartel leader and transgender woman, is one that challenges preconceived notions and pushes boundaries – something I deeply appreciate.
Spoilers ahead for Emilia Pérez.
Movie musical are a tried and true genre, one that I personally have a love for. Some musicals have won Best Picture, and every one in a while we get a film project that pushes outside of what the genre is known for. Case in point: Selena Gomez’s new movie Emilia Pérez. It’s a bold new take on the movie musical, but as a queer person there were moments that made me feel conflicted.
The upcoming film titled “Emilia Pérez,” directed by Jacques Audiard, is soon to hit Netflix screens. This unique production combines elements of music and crime drama, featuring intense visuals and gruesome outcomes. However, what truly sets it apart is its protagonist – a cartel leader who happens to be a transgender woman, portrayed by Karla Sofía Gascón. I was fortunate enough to catch an early screening at the Hamptons International Film Festival. While some aspects of the film’s narrative made me squirm uneasily, other parts deeply touched my heart.
My apprehensions regarding Emilia’s story emerged in the early part of the film, during a musical sequence where multiple medical personnel sing about Emilia’s upcoming surgical procedures as part of her transition. The exaggerated and theatrical nature of this number made it seem, at times, like they were making fun of the process, an impression that was particularly strong for me.
It is possible that the issue lies within my personal sensitivities, or perhaps a lack of emotional resonance when these Spanish lyrics are translated into English. After all, we’ve all encountered memes showcasing how literal translations can sometimes fail to capture the original song’s essence when sung in Spanish.
The unease I felt frequently while watching Emilia Pérez stemmed from the character’s deceit towards her family. To ensure a smooth transition and escape her criminal past, Emilia staged her own death, leading her spouse (Selena Gomez) and kids to believe that “Manitas” had perished. In truth, she did in a sense die to her old life.
After skipping over several years, Emilia finds herself yearning deeply for her children. To reunite with them, she disguises herself as their aunt and misleads both her kids and her wife Jessi. This deception added a sense of unease to the movie, but I was troubled by the fact that the central mystery or plot device (the “macguffin”) in the story revolved around a character who is transgender and deceiving those around her. This narrative trope has long been problematic within the community, so its appearance in a prominent film made me hesitant. However, it’s important to note that the movie is an adaptation of a novel called “Écoute” (Listen), so some changes may have been made for the screenplay.
In summary, Emilia’s story in the movie was filled with moving instances, particularly those that depicted her discovering tranquility and strength within her femininity. Additionally, it was heartwarming to observe her gaining acceptance from other women on-screen. I’m intrigued to learn the perspective of LGBTQ+ audiences when the film Emilia Pérez is eventually released.
On November 13th, Emilia Pérez will make her Netflix debut following a stint in theaters. In the meantime, take a look at the upcoming movie releases slated for 2025.
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2024-10-07 06:37