Emilia Pérez: The Divisive Musical Crime Thriller Starring Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez

The newly released film *Emilia Pérez*, directed by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, has sparked a mix of intense praise and confusion among viewers. The movie, which premiered on Netflix on November 13, 2024, is a unique blend of a musical, crime thriller, and family drama.

The film tells the story of Juan “Manitas” Del Monte, a powerful Mexican cartel leader played by Karla Sofía Gascón, who undergoes gender affirmation surgery to become Emilia Pérez. Emilia enlists the help of Rita Mora Castro, a gritty lawyer portrayed by Zoe Saldaña, to facilitate her transition. Meanwhile, Emilia’s wife, Jessi, played by Selena Gomez, and their children are relocated to Switzerland for their safety[1][3].

The movie has been described as both “horrendously miscalculated” and “one of the most unique and brilliant films of the year.” Viewers have been baffled by the film’s eclectic mix of graphic violence, exuberant musical numbers, and deep themes of identity and transformation. A particular scene explaining the sex change operation through song has gone viral, highlighting the film’s divisive nature[3].

Despite the mixed reactions, the film has received critical acclaim. At the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Karla Sofía Gascón and her co-stars won the Best Actress prize, and Gascón is now forecasted to be nominated for an Academy Award. The film also holds a positive score on Rotten Tomatoes[3].

The cast, including Gascón, Saldaña, and Gomez, have praised the film for its bold storytelling and the freedom they were given to develop their characters. The film is seen as a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of representation, particularly for trans individuals and Latina women[4]).