All About 'Emilia Pérez', Selena Gomez And Zoe Saldaña's New Film

One of the latest films to premiere on Netflix is director Jacques Audiard's unconventional musical crime comedy film, Emilia Pérez. A blend of genres that combines elements of opera and gender identity, the film sees a revered cartel leader call upon a lawyer to help realise her dream of disappearing and transitioning into a woman.

While initially it may seem like an overwhelming mix of elements, the fact that the film has already won the prestigious Jury Prize and the cast's female ensemble won the Best Actress Award at the 77th Cannes Film Festival marks the film as one to watch.

FIND OUT MORE ON ELLE COLLECTIVE

Plus, with a star-studded cast including Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón and Adriana Paz, this film is not one to miss. This is everything we know so far about Emilia Pérez.

What is the plot of Emilia Pérez?

Described by Netflix as an 'audacious fever dream that defies genres and expectations,' Emilia Pérez sees 'liberating song and dance and bold visuals, this odyssey follows the journey of four remarkable women in Mexico, each pursuing their own happiness. The fearsome cartel leader Emilia enlists Rita, an unappreciated lawyer stuck in a dead-end job, to help fake her death so that Emilia can finally live authentically as her true self.'

For Emilia, living as her true self means undergoing a gender-affirming procedure to live her life as a woman. But, given her career as a cartel leader, it changes the course of Rita's, Emilia's wife (Jessi) and their children's lives forever.

Who makes up the cast of Emilia Pérez?

Comprised of a star-studded cast, the film sees Zoe Saldaña star as Rita, a high-powered lawyer looking to take on a new challenge.

While speaking of the film to Tudum, Saldaña shared how she couldn't say anything but yes to the role, 'It was described to me as this film noir that didn't really exist in any of the conventional kind of genres, but it was a musical.'

'It was actually an opera, and based in a crime world, but there was going to be a sense of justice, and validation, and sanctification. And I was just like, 'What?' I had to read it more than once. And then, I couldn't stop thinking about it.'

Also joining Saldaña is Spanish actor Karla Sofía Gascón, who features as the titular character. Earlier this year, she won the Best Actress Award, at the Cannes Film Festival, making her the first openly trans actor to win a significant prize at the festival.

Gomez has also joined the cast, starring as Jessi Del Monte, Emilia's wife. Also speaking to Tudum, the 32-year-old actor shared her some insight on her character, 'In the beginning of the film, Jessi is very much content with the life that she’s living with the family in Mexico, and that’s kind of where she was rooted,' Gomez stated. 'I think she gets so discombobulated once there is a sudden move, and she doesn’t know what to do.'

Starring in smaller roles in the film are Adriana Paz (Epifanía Flores), Mark Ivanir (Dr. Wasserman), Édgar Ramírez (Gustavo Brun) and James Gerard (Simon).

When will Emilia Pérez be released in the UK?

While Emilia Pérez was released at the Cannes Film Festival on May 18 and on August 21 in France, the UK premiere of the film came a few months later, first in selected theatres on October 25 and on Netflix on November 13.

Where was Emilia Pérez filmed?

Despite being set in present-day Mexico City, much of Emilia Pérez was filmed in Paris, France. However, as Diego Fernando Diosa, a location scout for the film is from Mexico, it's likely some of the scenes in the film will have been shot there.

What are reviews about Emilia Pérez saying?

Although the film has not been out for a long time, it has already garnered a varying mix of reviews, both praising and critiquing the musical crime comedy.

On Rotten Tomatoes, users have given the film an 82% rating, praising it for its ability to blend genres and portray an unapologetically trans story.

Meanwhile, on X, viewers wasted no time sharing their thoughts and opinions. One user took to social media platform stating, 'WOW! The film was such a unique blend of comedy, crime, and musical elements that worked together in the most unexpected ways. The themes of identity and transformation were handled beautifully.'

Another heralded it as 'movie of the year.'

A number of viewers also shared their opposing views.

One such viewer was @YesitsAlistair, who went as far as calling the film, 'the most boring, generic crime drama you can conceive of, with the occasional demented music number inserted in.'

Similarily, another user didn't see the hype behind the movie.

Despite the criticism, the vast majority of X users raved about the cast's performances.

Among the shared opinion of the star's amazing portrayal of the characters, many declared that they were deserving of Oscars, including Selena Gomez's role as Jessi.

While social media is still split about the film, it's quite likely that Emilia Pérez will at the least be up for some major nominations in the coming awards season.

ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.

You Might Also Like

• Pyjamas You Can Wear All Day

• 10 Hand Soaps To Make Your Bathroom Feel Like A Fancy Hotel

• 8 Of The Best Natural Deodorants