Man, the only creature who is not comfortable with the image that others have of him, not even with the image that he has of himself, many times Being works like a prison that he must break at all costs.
Emilia Perez, directed by Jacques Audiard (“The Prophet,” “The Man Without a Country”) is a bold cinematic venture that explores themes of transformation, identity, and redemption in an intensely melodramatic, Almodobaric style. This film stands out for its unique blend of dark humor, lively musical beats and a story that weaves the complexities of gender and family against the backdrop of the unforgiving world of the Mexican drug trade.
The story begins with Zoë Soldana playing Rita Mora Castro, an underrated lawyer known for her coolness and unwavering moral code. When she is hired by a notorious Mexican cartel boss, Emilio (played by transgender actress Carla Sofia Gascon), she hears from him an unusual and dark request: Emilio wants to disappear, but not in the way you’d expect from a crime lord. He asks the lawyer to help him transform into Emilia, find a way to orchestrate the legal and logistical aspects of gender transition and complete disappearance. Emilia wants a new life, leaving behind the violent legacy of her cartel empire to make a fresh start.
Emilio’s journey to becoming Emilia isn’t just a physical transformation—it’s a rebirth and reclamation of his identity after years of living within the strictly hyper-masculine, ruthless confines of a criminal empire. The French creator handles Emilia’s transition sensitively, portraying it as a radical act of self-liberation that transcends physical appearance and delves into deeper questions of belonging and redemption. For Emilio, shedding the past means erasing not only the person he was, but also the traces of violence and fear he left behind.
Once the transformation is complete, Emilia retreats from the public eye, and the lawyer takes it upon herself to make sure her “disappearance” goes smoothly, as well as take care of Emilia’s family. Entering the film is Selena Gomez, who plays Emilia’s ex-husband, Jesse del Monte, a character who embodies warmth, resilience and surprising range. She, like the rest of the family, believes that Emilia is simply missing, not knowing the true extent of what has happened. The lawyer’s interactions with Jessie and the family she now protects add a layer of tension and passion to the story as she is forced to wrestle with the morality of her actions and her growing bond with them.
The film’s timeline jumps forward four years and we see Emilia reentering the lives of her loved ones. But now, as Emilia, she is both a foreign and a familiar presence, transformed yet deeply connected to the life she left behind. Jacques Audiard crafts this reunion with tremendous intensity and emotional depth.
The twist here is that Emilia’s reappearance isn’t about reclaiming her former position or seeking some kind of revenge, but about reuniting with her family in its true form. The contrast between Emilia’s violent past as a cartel leader and her sincere desire for acceptance in her new life creates a powerful tension that permeates the film.
The musical numbers interspersed throughout the film lend an unexpected energy, turning scenes of deeply personal confrontation into expressive, almost cathartic performances. These moments act as emotional climaxes, lifting the film’s melodramatic core and underscoring the thematic mix of realism and spectacle. Jacques Audiard’s approach is reminiscent of the Almodovar universe, but the creator reinvents his own style, through his unique writing, giving the film a raw, visceral quality that distinguishes it as his own, resulting in a compelling musical crime thriller.
“Emilia Perez” draws from a wealth of cinematic influences—from crime thrillers to musicals to intimate character studies—and Jacques Audiard’s direction keeps these elements cohesive, blending them into an outrageous, provocative narrative. At its heart, the film is a story about transformation in its most radical form, about finding authenticity in an inauthentic world, and about the sacrifices one makes for love and self-acceptance. Zoë Soldana’s down-to-earth performance, Carla Sofia Gascon’s complex portrayal of Emilia, and Selena Gomez’s raw and sensitive role make up a compelling trio that lends depth and nuance to the tangled web of relationships.
Premiering at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, “Emilia Perez” won both the Jury Prize and the Best Actress Award for its all-female cast, a testament to the film’s bold premise and the emotional weight of her performances. The film was selected as the French entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards. With its mix of suspense, drama and exuberance, ‘Emilia Perez’ is not only a thrilling ride but also a powerful exploration of identity, courage and the steps we take to rewrite our own stories. Audiard, in creating this narrative, once again proves his ability to subvert the conventions of the genre and expand the boundaries of narrative. Man is the only creature who does not want to be what happened to him, but what he will at some point in his life decide to become.
#Emilia #Pérez #identity
**Interview with Jacques Audiard, Director of “Emilia Perez”**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Jacques. “Emilia Perez” has a unique premise that dives deep into themes of transformation and identity. What inspired you to tell this particular story?
**Jacques Audiard:** Thank you for having me. The inspiration came from a desire to explore the complexities of identity in a world that often confines us to rigid roles. The character of Emilio, who decides to undergo a radical transformation, is a powerful metaphor for liberation. I wanted to show how the journey of self-discovery can be both a personal and societal rebellion, especially within the context of a hyper-masculine environment like the drug trade.
**Editor:** You cast Carla Sofia Gascon, a transgender actress, to play Emilia. Can you share what this casting choice brings to the film?
**Jacques Audiard:** Casting Carla Sofia was integral to the authenticity of the story. She brings lived experiences that add depth to the character. Emilia’s transformation is not merely physical; it’s about reclaiming her identity in a world that often ignores the complexities of such journeys. Carla’s performance beautifully captures the essence of this rebirth.
**Editor:** The film incorporates musical elements and dark humor alongside serious themes. How did you balance these contrasting tones?
**Jacques Audiard:** It was essential for me to find that balance. The dark humor provides a lens through which the audience can navigate tough subjects. Music, too, becomes a vehicle for emotional release, allowing characters to express what words can’t. These elements punctuate the heavy themes and create moments of catharsis, making the emotional journey feel more relatable.
**Editor:** The character of Rita, played by Zoë Soldana, plays a vital role in Emilia’s transformation. How do you see her journey intersecting with Emilia’s?
**Jacques Audiard:** Rita represents the moral compass of the film. Her relationship with Emilia reflects the complexities of loyalty, love, and sacrifice. As she helps Emilia navigate her transition, Rita is transformed as well, questioning her own beliefs and values. It’s this dynamic that introduces layers of tension and passion—especially as Rita begins to confront the moral implications of her actions.
**Editor:** You mentioned the reunion of Emilia with her family after four years. What do you hope audiences will take away from this moment in the film?
**Jacques Audiard:** I hope audiences see this reunion as a testament to the power of acceptance and love. Emilia’s return is not about reclaiming her past; it’s about forging new connections and seeking forgiveness. The tension between her past and present adds a richness to her character, illustrating that healing and acceptance are multi-faceted journeys.
**Editor:** Lastly, what do you hope the audience gains from the film’s exploration of redemption and identity?
**Jacques Audiard:** I hope “Emilia Perez” resonates on a personal level, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own identities and the ways in which they may feel constrained by societal expectations. At its core, the film is about the courage to embrace change and the possibility of redemption, no matter how fragmented our pasts may be.
**Editor:** Thank you, Jacques. This has been an enlightening conversation, and we look forward to the release of “Emilia Perez.”
**Jacques Audiard:** Thank you very much! I hope you enjoy the film.
