Emilia Pérez is a misguided musical mess
There is one standout individual in the musical film “Emilia Pérez” who seems to understand the inconsistent nature of the movie. It is not Zoe Saldaña, who plays Rita Moro Castro, a defense lawyer who transitions from criticizing Mexico’s corrupt justice system to engaging in bizarre and unexpected behavior. Selena Gomez’s character Jessica, a platinum-haired moll of a drug lord, also fails to grasp the strange direction of the film, as she juggles domestic distress with social media obsession in a subplot that lacks depth.
The only character in “Emilia Pérez” who exhibits some semblance of consistency is the titular character, Emilia, portrayed by Karla Sofía Gascón. Emilia undergoes a significant transformation throughout the movie, serving as the emotional anchor amidst the chaotic and nonsensical events that unfold.
The plot of “Emilia Pérez” is a whirlwind of random side quests and genre mixing that make it challenging to follow a coherent narrative. From a critique of the Mexican justice system to a redemption story of a drug kingpin, the film veers into unexpected territory, often losing sight of its original premise.
Despite the talented performances of the cast, including Gascón, Gomez, and Saldaña, the live recording of the musical numbers detracts from the overall quality of the film. The decision to record the songs live instead of in a studio does not enhance the viewing experience and may alienate audiences who are not fans of musicals.
Overall, “Emilia Pérez” struggles to find its footing as it attempts to blend serious themes with campy elements and musical numbers. The result is a disjointed and confusing film that falls short of its potential. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by Hollywood musicals in balancing artistic integrity with commercial appeal.
