The juxtaposition from before the transition and after is apparent, and it helps to broaden the film’s scope as to who Emilia is and the life she is striving to obtain. The growth that Emilia acquires as the film progresses only works due to Gascón’s undying dedication to ensuring that Emilia is emotionally succinct while also showcasing territorial emotions as it relates to her former relationship with Gomez. This distinction gives viewers a clear understanding of Emilia’s humanistic desires, relationships, and inner demons she is met with while reconciling her past with her present.

Gomez is the underrated force multiplier of this film. She is given a huge emotional arc that, in some regards, goes unchecked, but it is fully realized as the film progresses. As the former wife of Emilia, Gomez is thrust into a world of privilege and dependence. As the film progresses, she is given the chance to express her independent feelings through musical numbers. Notably, she has the most influential musical numbers in “Bienvenida” and “Mi Camino.” In “Mi Camino,” Gomez sings about carving out her path, no matter what the cost is. There is a scene in the film where the women are aligned on screen through a call, and Gomez is spewing intense rage between speaking in Spanish and English and singing in the same breath. This showcases the dedicated craft that Gomez uniquely tapped into to pull off an unprecedented high-octane scene. Audiard’s ensemble’s chemistry and commitment to their roles make Emilia Pérez an exceptional film that’s lively.

A High-Spirited Production

One of the most notable things about Emilia Peréz is its cinematography and production design. Especially in the musical numbers, there is a combustion of colors that captivate the film and make it feel flashy in the most gleaming ways possible. Scenes such as “La Vaginoplastia” and “Mi Camino” are infused with bold, saturated hues that heighten the production and emit the liberating stakes, making the whole exploration feel immersive and crucial. The camera work in this film is vigorous, especially during the “Bienvenida” sequence when the camera pans back and forth between scenes giving contrast to the scene’s emotional arc. The lighting also works well as a complementary centerpiece for the film. This works best in most musical numbers but stands out best in “El Mal” and “Para” due to the sharp contrast and sparkling spotlight underscoring the passion and beauty in each instance.

The music in this film is nothing short of original and intentional. Every song has a level of heart conviction to it, which makes the story even more personal than a viewer would expect. This is an approach that many musicals miss the mark of, but Emilia Pérez hits it with the buildup and dialogue to match. The most memorable features that the film has to offer are “El Mal,” “Papa,” “Para,” and “Mi Camino.” The music is necessary and never feels out of place, but towards the middle of the film, there is a noticeable gap between musical numbers, which are heavily featured in the beginning and throughout the end. Aside from the gap without musical numbers, the music makes this film one of a kind, and the bold risk taken paid off, making Emilia Pérez an unforgettable experience.

A Grand Closing

Emilia Pérez is a genre-bending triumph that works extremely well when blending multiple genres. The musical crime drama aspects alongside its heartfelt element sets this film up like no other. The film showcases unusual yet bold and original feats that transcend beyond a level of rarity, having what it takes to usher in a new perspective as to how musicals can be multifaceted. Alongside its all-star female ensemble, Emilia Pérez takes huge risks and swings that are organically produced and challenging.

Watch Emilia Pérez in select theaters today! Save the date to stream the film on Netflix on November 13.