Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez is a genre-bending film that weaves together elements from pop-operas, crime-thrillers, and gives a gender transition story to deliver a daring cinematic experience. Audiard — a celebrated French filmmaker known for A Prophet (2009) and Rust and Bone (2012) — takes his first stab at the musical format with Emilia Pérez, exploring themes of identity, transformation, and redemption. Starring Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Selena Gomez, this maximalist musical offers a visually striking and emotionally charged narrative.

Set in Mexico City, Emilia Pérez follows the journey of notorious drug kingpin Manitas Del Monte (Karla Sofía Gascón), who transitions into the titular character, Emilia, leaving behind a violent life in pursuit of peace and self-discovery. 

Sharp defence attorney Rita Moro Castro (Zoe Saldaña) helps Emilia through her transition, orchestrating everything from her gender-affirming surgery to the staging of Del Monte’s “death.” However, as Emilia tries to build a new life, her haunted past threatens to resurface, endangering the transformation she’s worked so hard to achieve.

Women at the forefront

One of the film’s most compelling aspects is how it places women front and centre, fighting for control in a harsh world dominated by men. Rather than deconstructing the typical tropes of a gangster film, Audiard enhances them with vibrant music and elegant choreography. 

These women aren’t just surviving — they’re actively reshaping the world around them, taking control of spaces previously ruled by violent masculinity.

Visually, this empowerment is striking. Emilia and Rita’s physical presence dictates the motion and energy in every scene. Their movements set the tone for everyone around them. In public confrontations, their combined influence on the space around them is tangible — they hold power not only through words but also through choreographed movement that subtly reinforces their control over the space. In a genre so often dominated by aggressive masculine energy, Emilia Pérez reclaims the stage for women, allowing them to express their emotions and strength through both music and action.

Music as a narrative tool

The film’s musical elements, while not always show-stopping, blend effortlessly with the dialogue and action. Rather than focusing on grand, applause-baiting numbers, the music serves as a narrative tool, propelling the story forward and enhancing emotional beats without overshadowing the plot. While not all of the songs leave a lasting impression, the ones that do resonate deeply.

Saldaña shines in a memorable gala sequence, where she dances through a room of corrupt figures, exposing their misdeeds with bold choreography and biting lyrics. Gomez, playing Emilia’s estranged wife Jessi, combines her musical talents with emotional acting, shining particularly well in moments where she conveys Jessi’s anguish. Yet it’s Gascón who anchors the film, her quiet ballads reflecting Emilia’s inner struggle as she balances her violent past with the woman she is becoming. Gascón’s restrained performance captures Emilia’s internal struggle as she grapples with her past and her future. Her understated, yet powerful, performance is one of the film’s strongest elements.

The narrative’s highs and lows

As captivating as Emilia Pérez is, the narrative isn’t without its flaws. The middle of the film loses some of its momentum, and the pacing slows down noticeably. Similarly, while the ending is powerful, it leaves you with mixed emotions. The rapid shift from an emotional conflict to a violent climax feels rushed, and some storylines — such as Emilia’s attempt to atone for her violent past by helping victims of violence — feel underdeveloped.

One of the film’s notable shortcomings is the lack of consequences for Emilia’s past crimes. While the film focuses on her personal redemption, the ease with which she is forgiven for decades of violence feels a little too convenient. It’s a contrast to the emotional weight of her internal struggles and while the film’s ambition is clear, it occasionally fumbles in delivering on its grand themes.

Cultural relevance and final thoughts

Emilia Pérez is more than just a daring experiment in genre — it’s also a commentary on transformation and survival. In a time where conversations around gender identity are becoming more prominent, the film’s focus on a transgender protagonist trying to navigate life beyond her past is culturally relevant. Audiard’s decision to cast Gascón, a transgender actress, in such a pivotal role brings a sense of authenticity and resonance to the film’s themes.

Despite its pacing issues and underdeveloped subplots, Emilia Pérez is an innovative film that isn’t afraid to blend genres and explore uncharted territory. The performances — particularly those of Gascón, Saldaña, and Gomez — infuse the film with heart, humour, and intensity which elevate the story beyond its occasional missteps.

Audiard’s vision is ambitious, and even when the film stumbles, its creative risks make it a memorable experience worth watching.