Emilia Pérez Review: Zoë Saldaña Can’t Save Hollow Oscar Bait Now Streaming on Netflix

   November 17, 2024

Emilia Pérez tries to tackle a lot within its 132-minute runtime. This hybrid of a crime thriller and musical spans years and locations, telling the unique story of a criminal organization leader (Karla Sofía Gascón) who transitions into a woman later in life. Her transition is both a step toward embracing her true identity and a calculated move to evade punishment for crimes committed while presenting as a man.

Zoë Saldaña and Karla Sofía Gascón in Emilia Pérez (2024)
Zoë Saldaña and Karla Sofía Gascón in Emilia Pérez (2024)

The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, with the titular Emilia Pérez at its core. However, much of the narrative focuses on other characters. Zoë Saldaña (Avatar: The Way of Water, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Adam Project) co-stars as Rita, Emilia’s legal counsel, who serves as the audience’s entry point into Emilia’s world. Rita is tasked with finding a surgeon to perform Emilia’s gender-affirming surgery, setting the stage for much of the film’s drama and exploration.

Initially hesitant, Rita agrees, feeling undervalued at her law firm and eager to prove herself. What she doesn’t anticipate is how this decision will shadow her for years. Emilia Pérez resurfaces later, seeking Rita’s help in gaining custody of her children from her “widowed” wife, Jessi (played by Selena Gomez). This escalating battle for custody grows more dangerous and dramatic, ultimately leading to a fiery, explosive conclusion.

With its musical numbers and rapid pacing, Emilia Pérez is undeniably bold and self-indulgent. However, the central story lacks the depth needed to evoke genuine emotion. The film relies on flashy editing and extravagant set design, but it feels hollow. The script doesn’t provide enough detail to make the characters’ decisions feel fully earned or believable.

Emilia Pérez is already being touted as an early contender for Best Picture at the next Academy Awards. If it remains in the awards conversation, it could go down as one of the weakest contenders in recent memory. The film feels like pure Oscar bait, relying on technical showmanship rather than emotional resonance. Despite its ambitious scope, it fails to connect on a deeper level and ultimately falls flat.

Score: 3/10

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