Netflix’s musical crime comedy Emilia Pérez isn’t just a casual feature film—it’s a hot topic of conversation everywhere. Featuring a powerhouse cast led by Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, and Selena Gomez, the movie brings bold musical numbers and jaw-dropping visuals to the screen.
But, with acclaim comes backlash, as Emilia Pérez has faced criticism over its portrayal of its trans protagonist, Emilia, played by Gascón. So, what’s behind the buzz around this Cannes award-winning film?
What’s the Controversy Over Emilia Pérez’s Trans Representation?
There’s debate over whether Emilia Pérez does justice to its trans protagonist. Emilia, a former cartel kingpin who undergoes gender reassignment, experiences a dramatic shift from a ruthless villain to a near-saintly figure.
Critics argue that this portrayal reduces Emilia’s character to two extremes, reinforcing outdated binaries and stereotypes about gender and identity.
The stark transformation from “evil Manitas” to a “pure-hearted” Emilia has drawn criticism for implying that a gender transition equates to a complete personality overhaul—an implication many find harmful.
Is Emilia Pérez Guilty of Trans Tropes?
The film employs tropes that some viewers find problematic, including aspects like “deadnaming” and scenes where Emilia’s voice deepens under stress, momentarily reintroducing her “masculine” side.
This has raised concerns among critics, who argue it undermines the character’s identity and subtly delegitimizes her journey.
Reviewers from The Cut and Autostraddle note that these tropes often perpetuate harmful stereotypes about trans individuals, especially when the story fails to reflect the everyday experiences of trans people.
One review even remarked that the film “is not really about the trans experience” but instead uses the character’s transition as a dramatic device. Such superficial portrayals risk misrepresenting—and even alienating—the very community they aim to represent.
How Does Emilia Pérez Compare to Other 2024 Trans Stories?
In a year rich with powerful trans stories, including I Saw The TV Glow and The People’s Joker, Emilia Pérez faces tough competition.
These films delve deeply into the nuanced lives of trans individuals, portraying the intricacies of their experiences. Many critics argue that these works, often created by trans filmmakers, present a more authentic and sensitive approach to trans representation.
They suggest that Emilia Pérez falls short of this depth, using Emilia’s identity more as a plot device than a genuine exploration of her life and struggles.
Can Emilia Pérez Still Make a Positive Impact?
Despite its controversies, Emilia Pérez contains moments that resonate positively, particularly through Emilia’s role as a quiet yet powerful figure in her community.
This aspect of her character, though understated, highlights the strength and impact of trans individuals within their communities. Gascón’s portrayal could also open doors for trans actors in the industry.
What Is Emilia Pérez’s Award Season Potential?
Despite the mixed reviews from fans all around the globe, Emilia Pérez has been a strong topic for discussions that could propel it straight into the awards season in coming months.
Given that Gascón’s Best Actress acceptance is already a prediction by fans and critics alike, a nomination would make the moment truly historic, highlighting the peaks and creaks of trans representation in movies and series.
If victorious, it could end up starting an era for narratives that are more inclusive than ever before, assisting Hollywood to dive into deeper waters of authentic and moving trans stories.
Notably, she’s a top contender for an Academy Award nomination, which would be groundbreaking for trans representation in Hollywood.
Final Thoughts
A cinematic masterpiece (and a roller coaster too, of course), Emilia Pérez continues to fascinate audiences with musical numbers and stunning audio elements, while a sect of the audience retains its critical view of Emilia’s portrayal of trans people and the whole trans identity in general.
As the awards season inches closer by the day, Emilia Pérez is preserved as a hot topic for a cultural conversation, while raising some controversial and not-so-controversial questions followed by similar opinions about storytelling and trans representation in Hollywood.
The tiny imperfections reflect the reality of this movie, it is clear as day that Emilia Pérez is already a sensation which is here to stay.
About Emilia Pérez
Emilia Pérez is a 2024 Spanish-language French musical crime comedy film written and directed by Jacques Audiard, based on Audiard’s opera libretto of the same name, which was in turn loosely adapted from Boris Razon’s 2018 novel Écoute. The film stars Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, Mark Ivanir, and Édgar Ramírez, and features a feared cartel leader who enlists a lawyer to help her disappear and achieve her dream of transitioning into a woman. Its original songs were contributed by Camille, while its original score was provided by Clément Ducol. The choreographic sections of the film are designed by Damien Jalet.
The film premiered on 18 May 2024 at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, and was selected to compete for the Palme d’Or in its main competition section, where it won the Jury Prize and its female ensemble won the Best Actress award.
Plot: Rita Mora Castro, an underappreciated lawyer in Mexico, writes the defense for a murder case involving a prominent media figure’s wife, going against her conscience to argue the death as a suicide (“El alegato”).
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