On a French securities card, the Indian city is misspelled as “Dehli”
Plot
Emilia Pérez follows four remarkable women in Mexico, each pursuing their own happiness. Emilia, a cartel leader, hires Rita, an underappreciated lawyer, to help her fake her death so she can finally live her true self. Karla Sofia Gascón talks about the two years of preparation that went into this demanding role in Jacques Audiard’s film and the two extremes of her own personality that she had to play as Emilia and Manita. Jacques Audiard said that he was inspired by the idea for the musical from a chapter in a drug novel about a smuggler who yearns to change his identity.. Introducing Latino Slant: La Bamba Remake, Tarantino has a BIG Mouth, Jenna & Selena Shock! (2024).
El Alegato Written by Camille (C
Dalmaisina), Clément Ducol and Jacques Audiard Performed by Zoe Saldana. Emilia Pérez left me feeling more disappointed than inspired. On paper, the premise, a cartel boss transitioning into a new identity in a violent and hypermasculine world, offers huge potential. Unfortunately, the film’s execution falls short of that promise. Its lack of focus and fragmented narrative left too much to be desired, making it a frustrating experience. One of my biggest issues is how the story tries to explore too many themes without committing to anything.
The film has its strengths
Is it a film about transition? At times, yes, but it only scratches the surface. Instead of delving into the emotional and physical complexities of transition, especially from such a unique position of power and violence, the film veers off in unrelated directions, becoming a kidnapping story, a love triangle, a commentary on the Mexican War, and more. These shifts made it feel aimless, as if it was afraid to commit to the depth that the main premise demanded. The musical numbers are surprisingly engaging and, for me, the only element that worked consistently. Even as someone who isn’t the biggest fan of musicals, I found myself appreciating these moments, especially the ones that focus on Emilia herself.
Visually, Emilia Pérez impressed me in places
The character’s singing evokes emotions that the rest of the film doesn’t capture. The creative use of lighting and shadows, especially in intense scenes, stood out. It felt like a clever way to evoke tension and emotion without expensive effects. For example, the car crash scene managed to convey chaos without showing every detail, which I thought was a smart and effective choice. However, these positives don’t outweigh the film’s incoherence. The lack of focus made it difficult to connect with the characters or their struggles.
I’m dissatisfied
When the film ended, I didn’t have any strong feelings or questions, just disappointment at what could have been overall, while Emilia Pérez has some standout moments, an inability to fully commit to her main point. It’s a film that tries to do too much and ends up achieving too little.