I Liked Emilia Pérez. Don’t Hate Me—Let Me Explain

When you sit down to watch Emilia Pérez, you might already have a bias. Maybe you’ve read the backlash—how it treats Mexican culture, how it uses satire to address sensitive topics, or how absurd its premise sounds. But here’s the thing: the movie isn’t what you expect. It’s bold, ironic, and unexpectedly emotional, and it deserves a chance. By the time the credits roll, you’ll either love it or hate it—but isn’t that the beauty of art?

More Than a Narco-Satire: A Story About Identity and Humanity

On the surface, Emilia Pérez might seem like a quirky comedy about a narco leader escaping their past through a gender transition. But as the story unfolds, you realize it’s about much more. At its core, the film explores identity—not just Emilia’s journey to become who she’s always wanted to be, but also the ways in which we all wrestle with the person we are versus the person we want to become.

Jacques Audiard, the French director behind the film, doesn’t dive deeply into the nuances of Mexican culture, and that’s fair criticism. But what he does instead is use absurdity and dark humor to highlight the contradictions of controversial social topics. From the glorification of narcos in pop culture to the societal expectations around morality, Emilia Pérez doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations. It asks you to see beyond the surface and find the humanity in its characters—flawed, messy, and deeply relatable.

The Characters: Heartfelt and Flawed

One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its characters. Zoe Saldana as Rita Mora Castro is magnetic, bringing to life a lawyer stuck in mediocrity and thrust into a bizarre situation. Rita is someone you immediately relate to: she’s overworked, unappreciated, and desperate for change. When she’s offered the chance to help Emilia Pérez and change her own life, it feels real. Isn’t this what most people would do if faced with such an opportunity? And while some may question how a lawyer could aid in such a scheme, the truth is simple: lawyers know the law, and they know how to bend it. Remember Better Caul Saul? Well, her journey, from reluctant participant to a woman caught between fear and trust, is one of the most compelling arcs in the film.

Karla Sofía Gascón, a transgender actress, shines as Emilia Pérez. Her performance is raw, emotional, and deeply human. Emilia isn’t just escaping her life as a narco; she’s embracing her truth. Her transformation isn’t simply physical—it’s emotional and spiritual, and Gascón captures that beautifully.

Selena Gomez’s Jessi Del Monte is another story. You might expect her character to sing beautifully, given Gomez’s real-life career as a singer. But instead, her singing is grating and awkward, her bad Spanish accent making it even harder to enjoy. This deliberate choice highlights Jessi’s disconnect from her Chicana identity and reinforces the satirical tone of the film. You’re supposed to cringe at her performances, and you do. It’s ironic, and it works.

The Music: Emotion Through Absurdity

The music in Emilia Pérez isn’t catchy or memorable, but it’s purposeful. It adds another layer to the film’s satirical tone, turning serious moments into theatrical ones and making random scenes feel larger than life. Some might find it jarring, but that’s the point. When Rita sings while writing her speech in a streetcar, it’s not meant to be polished—it’s meant to humanize her. And when Emilia sings, even as Manitas, the raw emotion in her voice pulls you in, reminding you of the humanity behind the absurdity.

The choreography deserves praise as well. The song about the disappeared is haunting and beautifully crafted, showcasing the film’s ability to balance absurdity with genuine emotional resonance. It’s a reminder that the director isn’t mocking these issues but using music to highlight their weight.

A Message About Life and Karma

By the end of the film, you feel heartbroken. Without giving too much away, it’s clear that the movie isn’t glorifying narcos or endorsing any wrongdoing. Instead, it shows the consequences of those choices. Emilia suffers for her past actions, and even as she tries to change, life doesn’t make it easy for her. That’s the karma of it all—the idea that no matter how much you grow, you can’t escape the consequences of your actions.

This is where the film’s deeper message comes through. It’s about life, identity, and the absurdity of it all. It reminds you that life isn’t about morality or perfection. It’s messy, unpredictable, and sometimes unfair. And that’s okay. Art doesn’t exist to give you moral lessons or present perfect worlds. It exists to reflect life as it is—not as you think it should be.

Conclusion: Don’t Take It Too Seriously—That’s the Point

Emilia Pérez is a film that asks you not to take life—or art—too seriously. It’s absurd, satirical, and, at times, uncomfortable. But it’s also deeply human and emotionally resonant. You might not agree with everything it does, but you can’t deny that it makes you feel, think, and question.

Whether you walk away loving it or hating it, one thing is certain: Emilia Pérez is a film that leaves an impression. And isn’t that what art is supposed to do?

P.S. – Now Let’s Talk Oscar Nominations

So, does Emilia Pérez deserve its 13 Oscar nominations? That depends on how you look at it. Here’s the breakdown:

Best Picture – The nomination recognizes the film’s unique approach to storytelling. Even if it’s not perfect, it undeniably stands out.

Best Actress (Karla Sofía Gascón) – A historic moment for transgender representation, and Gascón truly delivers a strong performance.

Best Supporting Actress (Zoe Saldaña) – She carries much of the film’s emotional weight, and her performance is one of its highlights.

Best International Feature – Given its global impact, the nomination makes sense.

Best Original Score – The music might not be mainstream, but it’s effective in setting the film’s tone.

Best Original Songs (“El Mal” & “Mi Camino”) – The songs serve their purpose within the film’s satirical framework.

Best Cinematography & Best Editing – The film’s pacing and visual storytelling are undoubtedly strong.

Best Makeup & Hairstyling – Emilia’s transformation is key to the story, making this a justified nomination.

So, while 13 nominations may seem excessive, each category can be argued for. Whether or not it wins is another question. But one thing is clear: Emilia Pérez has made an impact—whether people like it or not.