Emilia Pérez is a 2024 Spanish-language French musical crime comedy film directed by Jacques Audiard. The film features a star-studded cast, including Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, Mark Ivanir, and Édgar Ramírez. With a unique blend of crime, music, and drama, Emilia Pérez tells the story of a Mexican cartel leader who seeks to disappear and transition into a woman, hiring a lawyer to aid in the process.
The film premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2024, where it won the Jury Prize and Best Actress award for its female ensemble. Following its theatrical release on August 21, 2024, in France, it has received polarizing reviews—praised in Europe for its performances, music, and themes, but criticized in Mexico for its portrayal of culture and language. With 13 Academy Award nominations, Emilia Pérez has made history in multiple categories, particularly with Karla Sofía Gascón as the first openly transgender woman to be nominated for Best Actress at both the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards.
In this article, we will explore Emilia Pérez in-depth, covering its plot, cast, production details, release information, box office performance, critical reception, net worth of the production, and lesser-known facts.
Emilia Pérez Short Details
| Movie Title | Emilia Pérez |
|---|---|
| Director | Jacques Audiard |
| Writer | Jacques Audiard |
| Producers | Jacques Audiard, Pascal Caucheteux, Valérie Schermann, Anthony Vaccarello |
| Main Cast | Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, Mark Ivanir, Édgar Ramírez |
| Cinematographer | Paul Guilhaume |
| Editor | Juliette Welfling |
| Music By | Clément Ducol (score), Camille (songs) |
| Production Companies | Why Not Productions, Page 114, Pathé, France 2 Cinéma, Saint Laurent Productions, Pimienta Films |
| Distributor | Pathé |
| Release Date (Cannes Premiere) | May 18, 2024 |
| Theatrical Release (France) | August 21, 2024 |
| Language | Spanish |
| Country | France |
| Running Time | 132 minutes |
| Budget | €25 million (~$26 million) |
| Box Office | $10.7 million (as of early 2025) |
Early Development and Production
Origins of the Film
Jacques Audiard originally developed Emilia Pérez as an opera libretto before adapting it into a film. The story is loosely inspired by a chapter from Boris Razon’s 2018 novel Écoute. Audiard wrote the screenplay alone, marking a departure from his usual collaborations with Thomas Bidegain.
Casting and Pre-Production
The casting of Karla Sofía Gascón, a transgender actress, in the lead role was a significant decision that set Emilia Pérez apart from other films. The production was initially planned to take place in Mexico but was later moved to studios in Île-de-France, France, due to Audiard’s vision for controlled musical sequences.
Notable aspects of production include:
- Choreography by Damien Jalet, known for his work in contemporary dance.
- Original songs composed by Camille, with lyrics translated into Spanish.
- Costumes designed by Anthony Vaccarello, the creative director of Yves Saint Laurent.
Filming and Challenges
Principal photography took place between May and July 2023 in Île-de-France, France. The interior sets were designed to replicate authentic Mexican environments, and much of the film was shot in controlled studio environments to facilitate the choreography-heavy sequences.
Plot Summary
Emilia Pérez follows Rita Mora Castro (Zoe Saldaña), a lawyer who is hired by cartel leader Juan “Manitas” Del Monte (Karla Sofía Gascón) to help him disappear and transition into a woman. With the help of international medical professionals, Manitas undergoes gender-affirming surgery, fakes his own death, and re-emerges years later as Emilia Pérez.
Despite her new life, Emilia is drawn back into her past as she tries to reconnect with her children and estranged wife, Jessi (Selena Gomez). The film navigates themes of identity, redemption, motherhood, and the consequences of crime through a musical format, with songs illustrating the characters’ emotional journeys.
The film culminates in a dramatic confrontation where Emilia is forced to reveal her true identity, leading to a tragic ending.
Box Office and Net Worth of the Film
Despite its prestigious accolades and strong critical buzz, Emilia Pérez has had a modest box office run.
| Financial Aspect | Amount |
|---|---|
| Budget | €25 million (~$26 million) |
| Opening Weekend (France) | $2.1 million |
| Total Box Office (as of early 2025) | $10.7 million |
| Netflix Acquisition (North America & UK rights) | $8 million |
| Projected Lifetime Revenue (including streaming) | Estimated $35-$40 million |
The film’s modest theatrical performance is offset by its strong awards campaign and streaming deals, ensuring it remains a profitable project in the long run.
Critical Reception
Positive Reviews
- The film holds a 76% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising Gascón’s performance, Audiard’s direction, and Camille’s music.
- Kevin Maher (The Times): “This mad musical is one of the year’s best films.”
- Time Magazine: “A radical act of imagination with kindness at its heart.”
Negative Criticism
- The film has faced strong backlash in Mexico, with critics calling it inauthentic and culturally insensitive.
- LGBTQ activists have criticized it for portraying trans identities through a cisgender lens.
- Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro stated, “While it’s visually stunning, it lacks true Mexican authenticity.”
Lesser-Known Facts
- Karla Sofía Gascón became the first openly transgender woman nominated for a Best Actress Oscar and Golden Globe.
- The film features 14 original songs, all written by French singer Camille in Spanish.
- Selena Gomez learned Spanish pronunciation specifically for her musical numbers.
- Audiard chose to film in France instead of Mexico to control the film’s aesthetic.
- The film received one of the longest standing ovations (9-11 minutes) at Cannes 2024.
- James Cameron, Denis Villeneuve, and Meryl Streep publicly praised the film.
- Netflix secured distribution rights for $8 million after an intense bidding war.
- The film was initially pitched as an opera before being turned into a movie.
- Mexican audiences have criticized the film’s use of “Europeanized” Spanish accents.
- The film was described as a “narco-musical” by some critics due to its subject matter.
FAQs
Q: What is Emilia Pérez about?
A: It follows a cartel leader who transitions into a woman and seeks to reconnect with family.
Q: When was Emilia Pérez released?
A: It premiered at Cannes on May 18, 2024, and was released theatrically on August 21, 2024.
Q: Did Emilia Pérez win any awards?
A: Yes, it won the Jury Prize at Cannes, four Golden Globes, and received 13 Oscar nominations.
Q: Where can I watch Emilia Pérez?
A: It is available on Netflix (North America & UK) as of November 13, 2024.
Conclusion
Emilia Pérez stands as one of 2024’s most talked-about films, blending crime, music, and gender identity themes in a unique cinematic experience. Despite controversy, its bold storytelling and powerful performances have cemented its place in film history.
NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only.
