In a dazzling new role, Selena Gomez stars alongside Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Adriana Paz in the Netflix musical "Emilia Pérez." The film premiered at Cannes earlier this year, earning its four leading ladies a joint Best Actress award. Directed by Jacques Audiard, the storyline revolves around a drug lord who transitions genders and seeks to live authentically. The complexities of identity and self-exploration are showcased through the lives of four women in modern Mexico.
Gascón, a Spanish trans actress, portrays the titular character, Emilia Pérez, a journey she initially campaigned for in both male and female roles to fully encapsulate the character's arc. Gomez's role as the drug lord’s wife offers a refreshing departure from her Disney days, revealing her adaptability as an actress in a more dramatic context.
While critics have praised the film's confident storytelling and performances, some noted its unpredictable tone. Nevertheless, "Emilia Pérez" stands out as a game-changer in how musicals can approach serious themes. The film is already recognized as France's entry for the Oscars, placing it firmly in the awards conversation as it begins streaming worldwide.
Gascón, a Spanish trans actress, portrays the titular character, Emilia Pérez, a journey she initially campaigned for in both male and female roles to fully encapsulate the character's arc. Gomez's role as the drug lord’s wife offers a refreshing departure from her Disney days, revealing her adaptability as an actress in a more dramatic context.
While critics have praised the film's confident storytelling and performances, some noted its unpredictable tone. Nevertheless, "Emilia Pérez" stands out as a game-changer in how musicals can approach serious themes. The film is already recognized as France's entry for the Oscars, placing it firmly in the awards conversation as it begins streaming worldwide.
