Emilia Perez, co-written and directed by Jacques Audiard, may have created Oscar buzz around Selena Gomez after the London Film Festival, but plaudits really belong to Karla Sofia Gascon. Submerged beneath prosthetics as cartel boss Manitas Del Monte, before transforming into Emilia Perez, this film lives or dies on her performance. Bold, brash, and brave in its desire to explore pre-op and post-op transitional passions – Jacques Audiard rarely holds back. Bouncing back and forth between dramatic segues and musical numbers, Emilia Perez never takes a conventional route to any destination. Choosing instead to circumvent expectations and combine theatrical staging with moments of quiet introspection. Allowing the powerhouse trio of Zoe Saldana, Karla Sofia Gascon, and Selena Gomez to take centre stage.
Courtesy of Netflix
An underlying temperance towards the trans-gender community defines this story, while some not so subtle sidesteps into politics give certain songs a divisive edge, yet Emilia Perez never courts controversy. However, what it does demonstrate is how engaging Selena Gomez can be in a dramatic role. She may already be a billion-dollar businessperson and chart-topping pop star, but now this established mogul might be in line for an Oscar nomination. Her turn as Jessi the spurned wife of Manitas Del Monte, left to fend for herself when he disappears, might just be the beginning of another formidable phase. One that finds this versatile actor propelled onto the world stage in another incarnation, as Hollywood is forced to acknowledge her dramatic range.
Courtesy of Netflix
Zoe Saldana may also be in line for awards recognition since she not only dances throughout Emilia Perez like a veteran but can carry a tune. This left field character study from someone who is more comfortable within the MCU, proves to be a revelation since Saldana embraces every idiosyncrasy and puts in a powerful performance. With choreography that feels inspired and routines which raise the roof, Emilia Perez walks a tightrope between dramatic excess and theatrical kitsch. Melding social commentary with a cinematic statement on the need for acceptance across different communities, writer-director Jacques Audiard has made something utterly unique. However, whether that translates into Oscar nods next year is up for debate.
Emilia Perez is available to stream on Netflix now.