DIRECTOR: Jacques Audiard
STARRING: Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez
RUNNING TIME: 2 hrs 12 minutes
LANGUAGE: Spanish, English
Rita, an underrated lawyer working for a large law firm more interested in getting criminals out of jail than bringing them to justice, is hired by the leader of a criminal organization.
***
Acclaimed director Jacques Audiard is back with his latest film Emilia Pérez. He won the Palme d’Or with Dheepan, and this is the second time he has represented France at the Oscars, as he was previously nominated for A Prophet starring Tahar Rahim in 2009. Emilia Pérez premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it earned its four actresses, Gascón, Saldaña, Gomez, and Paz, a collective Best Actress award, and it also clinched the jury prize. Pathé released the film theatrically in France on August 21, drawing some 735,000 spectators for a gross of roughly $5.9M. It will receive a limited release in the U.S. ahead of a November 13 launch on Netflix.
This year’s revamped selection committee featured sales agent Carole Baraton, producer Nadim Cheikhroua, Venice Golden Lion winning Happening director and writer Audrey Diwan, distributor, producer and writer Michèle Halberstadt, sales agent Grégoire Melin, actress Clémence Poésy, producer David Thion, producer and distributor Rosalie Varda, producer Wachsberger and director, writer and producer Florian Zeller. Emilia Pérez was selected from a short list of four films which also included The Count of Monte Cristo, All We Imagine as Light and Misericordia.
The movie is produced by Why Not Productions and Audiard’s Page 114. The Veterans handled international sales, brokering the Netflix deal with CAA Media Finance.
Emilia Pérez is a thriller drama and it was filmed mostly in Paris, France.
To check out all previous submissions for France, click HERE.
STARRING: Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez
RUNNING TIME: 2 hrs 12 minutes
LANGUAGE: Spanish, English
Rita, an underrated lawyer working for a large law firm more interested in getting criminals out of jail than bringing them to justice, is hired by the leader of a criminal organization.
***
Acclaimed director Jacques Audiard is back with his latest film Emilia Pérez. He won the Palme d’Or with Dheepan, and this is the second time he has represented France at the Oscars, as he was previously nominated for A Prophet starring Tahar Rahim in 2009. Emilia Pérez premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it earned its four actresses, Gascón, Saldaña, Gomez, and Paz, a collective Best Actress award, and it also clinched the jury prize. Pathé released the film theatrically in France on August 21, drawing some 735,000 spectators for a gross of roughly $5.9M. It will receive a limited release in the U.S. ahead of a November 13 launch on Netflix.
This year’s revamped selection committee featured sales agent Carole Baraton, producer Nadim Cheikhroua, Venice Golden Lion winning Happening director and writer Audrey Diwan, distributor, producer and writer Michèle Halberstadt, sales agent Grégoire Melin, actress Clémence Poésy, producer David Thion, producer and distributor Rosalie Varda, producer Wachsberger and director, writer and producer Florian Zeller. Emilia Pérez was selected from a short list of four films which also included The Count of Monte Cristo, All We Imagine as Light and Misericordia.
The movie is produced by Why Not Productions and Audiard’s Page 114. The Veterans handled international sales, brokering the Netflix deal with CAA Media Finance.
Emilia Pérez is a thriller drama and it was filmed mostly in Paris, France.
To check out all previous submissions for France, click HERE.
FILM REVIEW:
(This review contains spoilers.)
“To listen is to accept.”
Jacques Audiard’s latest offering, Emilia Pérez, is an audacious, electrifying, and emotionally rich experience that redefines what a musical can be. This Mexican dark comedy crime film, interwoven with musical theater, showcases Audiard’s brilliance in blending genres and themes, creating a cinematic experience that is both thrilling and profoundly moving. With bold performances, stunning musical sequences, and a gripping exploration of identity, Emilia Pérez is undoubtedly one of the most memorable films of the year, further cementing Audiard’s reputation as a master storyteller.
At the heart of the film is the deeply layered and captivating story of Manitas Del Monte, a notorious drug cartel mastermind, portrayed with incredible depth and vulnerability by Karla Sofía Gascón. Her transformation into Emilia Pérez, a woman who has always lived in the shadows of her criminal past but seeks to embrace her true identity, is a powerful narrative arc that resonates on both personal and societal levels. Audiard takes this story of self-discovery and reinvention and infuses it with heart, humor, and suspense, making every moment feel vital. Gascón’s performance is a tour de force, perfectly balancing the internal conflict of Emilia’s journey while exuding a newfound sense of freedom and authenticity.
The musical aspect of Emilia Pérez is nothing short of extraordinary. Audiard crafts musical numbers that are not only visually stunning but also integral to the story’s emotional core. From the rhythmic clunking of cartel jeeps to choreographed sequences involving heavy weaponry, the film’s music enhances the tension and drama, while simultaneously offering moments of levity and pure joy. It’s a remarkable fusion of crime thriller and musical theater, where every song feels like a natural extension of the characters’ inner worlds. The choreography is dynamic, and the original songs, with their pulse-pounding beats and evocative lyrics, are infectious, lingering in the audience’s minds long after the film ends.
Zoe Saldaña delivers one of her best performances to date as Rita Castro, the ambitious criminal lawyer tasked with orchestrating Manitas’ transformation. Her chemistry with Gascón is palpable, and their dynamic drives much of the film’s tension and emotional weight. Saldaña’s portrayal of a woman caught between duty and personal connection is compelling, and she imbues Rita with a fierce intelligence and sensitivity. Selena Gomez’s performance as Jessi, Manitas’ wife, adds yet another layer of complexity to the film, as her character grapples with the revelation of her husband’s true self. Together, these characters create a rich tapestry of relationships that explore love, loyalty, and the desire to live authentically.
Emilia Pérez is a bold and unforgettable film that pushes the boundaries of genre and storytelling. Audiard masterfully navigates the collision of crime, comedy, and musical theater, creating a film that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. The exploration of gender identity, self-discovery, and redemption is handled with grace and nuance, making the film not just a cinematic triumph but a deeply human one. This film is a must-see for anyone seeking a fresh, exhilarating take on both musicals and crime dramas, and it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on audiences around the world.
(This review contains spoilers.)
“To listen is to accept.”
Jacques Audiard’s latest offering, Emilia Pérez, is an audacious, electrifying, and emotionally rich experience that redefines what a musical can be. This Mexican dark comedy crime film, interwoven with musical theater, showcases Audiard’s brilliance in blending genres and themes, creating a cinematic experience that is both thrilling and profoundly moving. With bold performances, stunning musical sequences, and a gripping exploration of identity, Emilia Pérez is undoubtedly one of the most memorable films of the year, further cementing Audiard’s reputation as a master storyteller.
At the heart of the film is the deeply layered and captivating story of Manitas Del Monte, a notorious drug cartel mastermind, portrayed with incredible depth and vulnerability by Karla Sofía Gascón. Her transformation into Emilia Pérez, a woman who has always lived in the shadows of her criminal past but seeks to embrace her true identity, is a powerful narrative arc that resonates on both personal and societal levels. Audiard takes this story of self-discovery and reinvention and infuses it with heart, humor, and suspense, making every moment feel vital. Gascón’s performance is a tour de force, perfectly balancing the internal conflict of Emilia’s journey while exuding a newfound sense of freedom and authenticity.
The musical aspect of Emilia Pérez is nothing short of extraordinary. Audiard crafts musical numbers that are not only visually stunning but also integral to the story’s emotional core. From the rhythmic clunking of cartel jeeps to choreographed sequences involving heavy weaponry, the film’s music enhances the tension and drama, while simultaneously offering moments of levity and pure joy. It’s a remarkable fusion of crime thriller and musical theater, where every song feels like a natural extension of the characters’ inner worlds. The choreography is dynamic, and the original songs, with their pulse-pounding beats and evocative lyrics, are infectious, lingering in the audience’s minds long after the film ends.
Zoe Saldaña delivers one of her best performances to date as Rita Castro, the ambitious criminal lawyer tasked with orchestrating Manitas’ transformation. Her chemistry with Gascón is palpable, and their dynamic drives much of the film’s tension and emotional weight. Saldaña’s portrayal of a woman caught between duty and personal connection is compelling, and she imbues Rita with a fierce intelligence and sensitivity. Selena Gomez’s performance as Jessi, Manitas’ wife, adds yet another layer of complexity to the film, as her character grapples with the revelation of her husband’s true self. Together, these characters create a rich tapestry of relationships that explore love, loyalty, and the desire to live authentically.
Emilia Pérez is a bold and unforgettable film that pushes the boundaries of genre and storytelling. Audiard masterfully navigates the collision of crime, comedy, and musical theater, creating a film that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. The exploration of gender identity, self-discovery, and redemption is handled with grace and nuance, making the film not just a cinematic triumph but a deeply human one. This film is a must-see for anyone seeking a fresh, exhilarating take on both musicals and crime dramas, and it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on audiences around the world.
