Rating: ★½☆☆☆(1.5/5 Stars)
Released 11-13-2024
Watched 01-24-2024
Reviewed 01-27-2024
Watched on Netflix
“My p— still hurts when I think of you.”
Emilia Perez, Netflix’s ambitious 2024 musical-drama, attempts to blend crime, comedy, and a heavy dose of identity politics into a story that’s both baffling and underwhelming. Directed by Jacques Audiard and featuring a star-studded cast, the film chronicles the journey of a Mexican drug lord transitioning to live authentically as a woman. Despite its awards buzz and critical acclaim from certain circles, Emilia Perez lands as a tone-deaf, overhyped spectacle, missing the mark in nearly every way imaginable.
The plot follows the titular Emilia Perez, played by Karla Sofia Gascón, as she navigates life post-transition, having left behind her life of crime. The concept is intriguing on paper but suffers from a lack of focus, veering between absurd comedic sequences and moments of supposed emotional weight that fail to resonate. Audiard’s direction feels disjointed, making it difficult to discern whether the film is a satirical romp, a heartfelt character study, or an earnest exploration of identity.
Selena Gomez, as Emilia’s lawyer Jessi Del Monte, emerges as the film’s only saving grace. Gomez’s performance is gritty and emotionally grounded, standing out in a film that otherwise feels shallow and disorganized. Her portrayal adds depth and authenticity, making her scenes some of the few that truly connect with the audience. However, even Gomez’s performance, while commendable, hardly justifies the film’s excessive awards buzz.
The rest of the cast struggles with underdeveloped characters and uneven dialogue. Gascón’s portrayal of Emilia is earnest but hampered by a script that oscillates between caricature and melodrama. Supporting performances are similarly unremarkable, with many characters reduced to one-dimensional archetypes.
One of the most baffling aspects of Emilia Perez is its musical element. The songs are uninspired and fail to elevate the narrative. Instead, they interrupt the flow of the story, adding another layer of incoherence to an already convoluted film. The production design and cinematography, while visually appealing in some scenes, feel inconsistent overall, further detracting from the movie’s impact.
Adding to the challenges is the fact that the majority of the film is in Spanish, leaving non-Spanish-speaking or bilingual audiences relying on subtitles throughout. While this choice may be authentic to the story’s setting and characters, it creates an additional barrier for viewers who might struggle to fully engage with the film while reading every line of dialogue. Subtitles can be an effective tool when the story is gripping, but in Emilia Perez, the lack of compelling narrative or pacing makes the reading experience feel like a chore rather than an enhancement.
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of Emilia Perez is its self-congratulatory tone. It feels tailor-made for awards consideration, tackling issues of gender identity and cultural representation in a way that often comes across as performative rather than genuine. The film’s reception among both the LGBTQ+ and Mexican communities has been lukewarm at best, with many criticizing its shallow treatment of complex issues. It raises the question: is the Academy’s recognition of this film a genuine acknowledgment of quality or an out-of-touch attempt to seem progressive?
Emilia Perez’s failure lies not in its ambition but in its execution. It tackles weighty themes with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, leaving little room for nuance or meaningful exploration. The result is a film that feels more like a box-checking exercise than a cohesive narrative.
For audiences, the disconnect between critical acclaim and popular opinion is glaring. While some may laud the film’s audacity or its attempts to push boundaries, it’s difficult to ignore its many shortcomings. Emilia Perez may sweep awards this season, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression on viewers who value substance over spectacle.
At 1.5 stars, Emilia Perez is a frustrating watch that fails to deliver on its promise. While Selena Gomez shines as a rare bright spot, the film’s disjointed narrative, uninspired music, and performative messaging make it a forgettable misstep. If you disagree and found merit in this film, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. What did I miss? Let’s discuss.
コメント