As a film enthusiast with a keen eye for stories that resonate deeply and challenge societal norms, I found myself utterly captivated by Emilia Pérez. The film’s narrative is rich with themes of identity, morality, and progress, making it a thought-provoking piece that left me pondering long after the credits rolled.
One of the most talked-about films during this award season, titled “Emilia Pérez,” is scheduled to release on Netflix on November 13. This film, directed by Jacques Audiard, is a French musical crime production that tells the story of Emilia (portrayed by Karla Sofía Gascón), a cartel leader who enlists the help of a lawyer (played by Zoe Saldaña) to assist her in transforming into the woman she’s always desired to be and embark on a new life.
The film made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival in early 2024, with Selena Gomez and Adriana Paz among its ensemble cast, who collectively won Best Actress. Emilia Pérez was also nominated for the Palme d’Or (which went to Sean Baker’s “Anora”) and received a directing jury prize. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Gascón became the first openly trans actor to win an acting award at the Cannes Festival.
If international response hasn’t solidified the film’s critical acclaim yet, there’s been significant buzz about Emilia Pérez in terms of domestic awards speculation, along with acting nominations for many key cast members. Given the complex themes and political dimensions of Emilia Pérez, here’s a breakdown to help decipher its underlying messages and conclusion.
Introducing Emilia
As a film enthusiast, I find myself immersed in the story of Emilia Pérez, who, much like Rita Mora Castro, is a lawyer struggling in Mexico. In a remarkable turn of events, Castro pens an impassioned defense for a man accused of murdering his wife, not through legal arguments, but through song (“El Alegato”). The strategy works, and he walks free, yet she receives no recognition.
Rita journeys across the globe using funds provided by Manitas to locate a skilled surgeon. After finding one, her responsibilities shift to moving Manitas’ spouse, Jessi (Gomez), and their kids to Switzerland next. Subsequently, Rita orchestrates a staged death for Manitas, with Jessi learning about it through the media, causing her to cry. Upon being informed of this by Manitas, he rewards Rita and instructs her to vanish. Later, Manitas undergoes surgery and transitions into Emilia Pérez, living a fresh life as she had always desired.
The Climax
Four years on, Rita is thriving in London’s bustling cityscape. At a work gathering one evening, she unexpectedly encounters Emilia who requests her assistance in returning Emilia’s children to Mexico. Moved by her friend’s plea, Rita consents, and Jessi, initially hesitant, arranges for the kids to relocate from Switzerland. It turns out that Emilia is not a distant relative of Manitas as Jessi believed, but rather has personal ties with Mexico due to her former lover, Gustavo Brun, living there.
Everyday, Emilia interacts with the kids, feeling a surge of emotions when her son mentions she shares a scent with his grandfather. At work one day, Emilia encounters Epifanía (Paz). Epifanía’s ex-husband’s corpse was discovered by La Lucecita, and she thanks this discovery due to his violent behavior. Emilia and Epifanía eventually develop romantic feelings for each other (“The Love”). One time, Jessi informs Emilia that she plans to wed Gustavo, move in with him, and bring the children along.
After losing patience, Emilia angrily declares that the children are hers. The following day, Jessi and the kids vanish. With control over all of Jessi’s bank accounts, Emilia blocks them and orders one of her associates to intimidate Gustavo. This action leads to Jessi and Gustavo abducting Emilia for a ransom of 30 million dollars, which falls on Rita to bring.
How Does Emilia Pérez End?
In a swift turn of events, Jessi, overwhelmed by newfound wisdom, finds herself perplexed and remorseful, but Gustavo insists they hastily escape in their vehicle. They force Emilia into the trunk. During the ride, Jessi grows increasingly distressed and requests a stop, escalating to pulling out a firearm when Gustavo denies her plea. In the ensuing struggle with Gustavo for the gun, they veer off a cliff. The car plunges downward, eventually detonating, tragically claiming the lives of Jessi, Gustavo, and Emilia. Mournfully, Rita approaches Emilia and Jessi’s children to break the devastating news of their demise, comforting them and assuring them that she will be there to provide care for them moving forward.
In the closing song of the movie, assuming a more solemn mood compared to the rest, residents of Mexico and La Lucecita walk in procession, guided by Epifanía. They proceed down the streets, paying tribute to Emilia through song, carrying an improvised statue that resembles a saint. The crowd sings “Las Damas Que Pasan,” honoring Emilia’s courage and affection.
Good vs. Evil, Progress vs. Stagnation
In my humble opinion, viewing Emilia Pérez feels like delving into a tale that subtly explores moral dilemmas. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the film wasn’t crafted by a team identifying as trans or Mexican. Therefore, it’s their voices that carry the most weight when discussing the movie’s relevance, authenticity, and consequences. My interpretation of the film’s climax is not an endorsement of its message, but rather an analysis of how its themes appear to be unfolding.
Initially, Rita and Emilia are depicted living immoral lives, with Rita often shielding criminals from justice, and Emilia grappling with a dark past that hints at a life of extensive criminal activity. However, throughout the movie, we witness them both undergo significant transformations, and through La Lucecita, they find an opportunity to finally bring retribution upon those who have acted corruptly.
I firmly believe that their current ability to accomplish so much good stems from the lessons they’ve learned from past challenges. They embody the future, they symbolize progress. In essence, Emilia’s transformation might be seen as a significant step forward for Mexico towards a more benevolent path. Given her newfound freedom to be true to herself, she can now focus on healing rather than causing harm. Similarly, Rita, now liberated from financial and societal pressures, finds herself in a position of freedom too.
Throughout her life, Jessi has remained remarkably consistent, having grown accustomed to wealth and luxury. There’s been no significant transformation in her character. Instead, she appears to have taken a step back, involving herself in illicit activities such as kidnapping Emilia and considering marrying the man with whom she previously had an affair. Jessi and Gustavo are individuals who seem to hinder Mexico’s advancement.
Emilia Lives On
Emilia is a martyr. She had to die for her cause. Now, her followers march through the streets as though she is a saint. She is a classic tragic heroine. She cannot escape the heinous crimes of her past, the murder. Emilia, Jessi, and Gustavo (who is the final male villain, in what is arguably also a female empowerment story) all have to die. However, because they all perish the way that they do, Emilia gets to live on forever as a hero, and the $30 million in ransom money remains untouched and available for La Lucecita. In the final battle between good and evil, Emilia cannot live on, but her good can.
As a movie enthusiast, I find it challenging to unravel the layers of such a compelling narrative like Emilia Pérez. Reminders of documentaries such as Sam Feder’s Disclosure resonate deeply with me, highlighting how frequently trans representation in media revolves around themes of deception and demands trans characters to endure hardships. It is evident throughout Emilia Pérez that Emilia’s trans identity serves as a metaphor for a broader societal transition. The film’s conclusion aligns perfectly with this interpretation, making me eager to observe how discussions unfold regarding the ending and the movie’s existence as a reflection of identity.
Stream Emilia Pérez on Netflix from November 13th.
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2024-11-13 07:02