Starring Zoe Saldana, Karla Sofia Gaston, and Selena Gomez. “Emilia Perez” takes us into the story of Manitas, a powerful cartel leader who wants to become who she is meant to be, a woman. In this Musical – Movie adaptation, Director Jacques Audiard brings this film to life with its unique symbolism, detail, and depth of cultural significance.
The film centers on Rita (Zoe Saldana), a lawyer in Mexico City tasked with defending a man accused of murdering his wife. Through a heartfelt melody of love and death, Rita takes us through the streets of a small food market, giving us a glimpse into her day-to-day life. Manitas (Karla Sofia Gaston), Fascinated by her work, recruits Rita in an effort that will make both of them rich. For her, financially, and for him through happiness.
With few resources and limited cultural understanding of her feelings, Manitas struggles with her identity as a trans woman and seeks medical sex change. Knowing that this journey will require him to leave behind his family, power, and old life, Rita embarks on a trip abroad to assist Manitas, seeking the medical services he needs.
Selena Gomez delivers a moving performance as Jessi, Manitas’s wife, who discovers that her beloved husband is dead. Grieving the loss of the man she loved, Jessi and her family are relocated to Switzerland to escape the life they once knew and the truth about what really happened to their father.
After a time jump and a change of location, we are formally introduced to Emilia, who is eager to reunite with her family and those she loves most. Rita agrees to help Emilia reconnect with her children and bring them back to Mexico. Leaving behind the life she once knew, Rita, Jessi, and her two children return to Mexico to live with Emilia, now Manitas’s cousin.
Throughout the film, we witness Emilia’s efforts to change, particularly through the establishment of the organization she founded, La Lucecita, and her desire to leave behind the person she once was. With the help of volunteers and her team, Emilia and Rita work to bring peace to the families of those who have been lost to cartels or local gangs.
Co-produced by Saint Laurent Productions under the direction of Anthony Vaccarello, the film delves into multiple storylines, including Emilia’s new romantic relationship with a woman she meets through the organization, and Jessi’s rekindled love for the man she cheated on Manitas with. We also witness La Lucecita’s role in the community, hosting galas and raising funds to support their search efforts.
Director Jacques Audiard succeeds in presenting a fresh cultural perspective, one that has rarely been seen on screen. The film’s ending highlights Emilia’s journey and the respect she earns within her community. The incorporation of music and touching performances provides a unique experience, distinguishing this film from many of Audiard’s previous works.
