‘Emilia Perez’: A Bold Exploration of Identity and Female Empowerment
After watching Blink Twice this week, we took the time to explore Emilia Perez, the tenth film by Jacques Audiard. Released in theaters this Wednesday in France, the feature film brings together Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, and Selena Gomez on screen. Audiard, known for his intense and emotionally charged narratives, offers this time a unique and daring story. We dove into this singular universe, and here are our thoughts on this new cinematic work.
Originally conceived as an opera, Emilia Perez tells the story of Manitas del Monte, a powerful drug lord who dreams of leaving his criminal world behind. This desire for change isn’t driven by a sudden moral awakening but by a deeply personal quest for identity: Manitas finally decides to fully live as the woman she has always dreamed of being. With the support of her lawyer, Rita (played by Zoe Saldaña), Manitas begins her transformation into Emilia Perez. However, she must hide this transition from her wife Jessi (played by Selena Gomez). This new life, along with the emotional challenges that come with it, adds a complex and poignant layer to the narrative, turning this thriller into an intimate exploration of identity, love, and the desire for freedom.
Inspired by Boris Razon’s novel Écoute, Emilia Perez stands out for its striking visual and emotional depth. Among the standout moments is the “El Mal” scene during the gala, which serves as a pivotal highlight in the film. This sequence is the result of six months of meticulous preparation, with the final set being completed just three days before shooting. It’s also a favorite of Zoe Saldaña, who, despite the physical demands it entailed, takes particular pride in the scene. Another powerful moment is when Emilia finds herself in her son’s room, a deeply moving and emotionally charged scene. The film’s imagery, elevated by enchanting lighting and a captivating score, enhances the narrative’s impact, making the intensity of the characters’ lives palpable and resonant.
Manitas’s transition is certainly at the heart of Emilia Perez, but it is only one aspect of a much broader story. Jacques Audiard chose Karla Sofía Gascón to portray Emilia because of the emotional depth and narrative complexity the role demands. Much like in Blink Twice, we witness a significant evolution of the female characters, each gaining strength and depth as the story unfolds. While the plot primarily focuses on Emilia, her lawyer Rita (played by Zoe Saldaña) undergoes a major transformation as well. Initially depicted as an overworked and underestimated woman working in the shadows for another attorney, Rita writes speeches and does the dirty work without ever receiving recognition. She remains in the background, convinced she’ll never make it to the forefront. But everything changes when she receives a mysterious call offering her an unexpected opportunity: to orchestrate Manitas’s transition and fake death. From that moment, Rita transforms into a powerful and determined figure. This evolution becomes even more evident in the second half of the film, where we see a confident woman who no longer hesitates to step forward and make her voice heard.
One aspect that left us puzzled while watching Emilia Perez is the multitude of themes that are touched upon without being fully explored. The film delves into essential topics like violence against women and transphobia, offering excellent opportunities to deliver a powerful and meaningful message, yet these issues are not explored in depth. Another shortcoming is the lack of more developed scenes around Emilia and her family. The film remains somewhat vague on how Emilia manages her secret with her children and her wife, Jessi. The dramatic tension could have been heightened by delving deeper into this complex lie and the emotional consequences for each family member. The fact that Emilia hides her true identity from those she loves most is a central point, yet it is only lightly addressed, leaving viewers wanting more insight into this intricate family dynamic.
Despite this, Emilia Perez stands out for its bold and original representation, rarely seen on screen. This uniqueness will likely be enough to captivate viewers, encouraging them to reflect on the important issues subtly raised throughout the film.
Despite an unusual start, and knowing from the outset that Emilia Perez is a musical, we were pleasantly surprised. Karla Sofía Gascón expressed feeling truly understood through this role, and that sentiment resonated with us as well. Although the film doesn’t always delve into its themes with the depth we might have hoped for, the main message still comes through effectively. The catchy songs successfully draw you in and immerse you in the story. Special mention goes to French songwriters Camille Dalmais and Clément Ducol, who crafted a captivating soundtrack, as well as choreographer Damien Jalet, whose work brought the music to life with memorable scenes that linger in your mind.
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