Have you ever witnessed a street fight during a hurricane—a storm that sweeps away everything in its path, leaving no one safe? An environment so chaotic that you can’t help but stand still, eyes wide open, consumed by the chaos of emotions around you? A place where you feel everything at once, making you wonder if this is a good sign or a bad sign? If this doesn’t sound familiar yet, get ready because “Emilia Perez” offers all this and more.
“Emilia Perez” tells the story of Rita (Zoe Saldana), a lawyer who spends her life fighting evil only to find herself… Face new challenges. She’s faced with the opportunity of a lifetime: help a notorious drug cartel leader escape his current life and transform into the person he’s always dreamed of being – a woman. The request was daunting, but Rita agreed, unaware that she was about to embark on a dangerous path. She watched Manitas Del Monte transform from a brutal murderer into the radiant, compassionate and charitable Emilia Perez. Yet as Emilia tries to put her past behind her, it stubbornly follows her, starkly highlighting the differences between who she was and who she is now.
“I’ve always wanted to end my life,” Manitas confessed to the surgeon. “It’s not fair to leave this world without having truly lived. Please help me live,” she pleads. Continuing with the belief, “I don’t want to be desired, nor desire itself. Let my only desire be to simply be. This is just a glimpse of the depth of Manitas’ desire. He and Josie (Selena Gomez) ), married and a father of two, fears that his disappearance could put his family in danger. He pleads with Rita to help his family escape the country before he begins his transformation, and so begins an unforgettable journey. The birth of Emilia Perez.
It’s almost impossible to describe the brilliance of this film, as it is woven into every frame and line. Walking into the theater, I had no idea what to expect. But the moment the movie started, I was shocked, fascinated, overwhelmed, and completely mesmerized. How did I know I was about to experience the movie I’d been waiting for my entire life? It wasn’t until I encountered this magnificent masterpiece called “Emilia Pérez” that I realized I’d never actually seen it.
And the soundtrack—oh my god, get ready. I never thought there was another score that could rival Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. In my mind, in my world, “Emilia Perez” offers lyrics and a score that will redefine the future of music-making. Every time the music came on I felt beaten, punched, thrown against the wall – and I loved every second of it. Composers Camille and Clement Ducol have created an instant classic with songs I will undoubtedly listen to over and over again.
As for the acting, an entire book should be written documenting what the actors accomplished here. Zooey Saldana? You are very smart. You left me speechless the entire time. Selena Gomez? Her performances defined her career. Carla Sofia Gascón! ! An actress whose name will be passed down for generations; her performances reached such heights that finding someone to match them seemed an impossible task.
Director Jacques Audiard has created a cinematic gem that will make even the most apathetic person’s heart race. What a great entry into cinematic history, knocking down everything in its path. Every fifteen minutes, “Emilia Perez” introduces a new twist to keep you spinning in the best possible way. This is a very engrossing film that will draw you in no matter how hard you try to remain detached. You don’t want to be like this. It culminates in one of the most poetic endings in film history, destined to become an iconic moment forever.
So don’t waste any moment. Go check it out. Be moved or fascinated. If you must cry, cry – you won’t be alone. Love and be loved. Follow your heart’s desires. This movie will light your way – just don’t get lost along the way. Emilia Pérez offers an out-of-body experience that takes you beyond the screen into a realm of pure, unfiltered emotion.
