Selena Gomez’s ‘Emilia Pérez’ Sparks Debate Over Acting and Plot

Selena Gomez‘s latest film, ‘Emilia Pérez,’ has generated significant buzz and controversy among viewers since its release on Netflix. The Spanish-language musical thriller, directed by Jacques Audiard, stars Gomez alongside Zoe Saldana and groundbreaking transgender actress Karla Sofía Gascón.

The film follows the story of Rita Mora Castro (Zoe Saldana), a lawyer who helps notorious cartel boss Manitas del Monte (Karla Sofía Gascón) transition into a woman named Emilia Pérez. Gomez plays Jessi, the wife of Manitas, who is kept in the dark about her husband’s transition and subsequent new life.

Despite the film’s critical acclaim, including an 11-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival and an 80 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, some fans have expressed dissatisfaction. On social media, viewers have pointed out what they believe to be a ‘crucial mistake’ by Selena Gomez in one scene where her character makes direct eye-contact with the camera during a heated phone argument. This act, known as ‘breaking the fourth wall,’ is generally avoided in filmmaking unless it is a deliberate creative choice.

While some fans are convinced that this was an unintended slip-up, others argue that it was an intentional move by the director to add depth to the character. Defenders of the film suggest that the shot would not have made the final edit if it were indeed a mistake.

In addition to the debate over this scene, fans are also divided on the overall quality of the film. Some have criticized the movie for its music, calling it “gimmicky and distracting,” and the story as “unfocused” and “boring.” Others have praised the film’s unique storytelling and the performances of the cast.

Gomez herself faced challenges in preparing for her role, including acting in Spanish, a language she is not completely fluent in. She expressed her pride in being part of the project and the opportunity to work with a cast that included powerful female leads.