It’s rare to come across a film so audaciously ambitious and fearlessly original as Emilia Pérez, the latest from visionary director Jacques Audiard. After igniting a frenzy of conversation at Cannes and earning accolades at TIFF, the film made its anticipated stop at the 62nd New York Film Festival (NYFF), where it continued to polarize audiences. Now set to close out NewFest, the 36th Annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival, Emilia Pérez has already cemented itself as one of Netflix’s top Oscar contenders this year. It’s a film that defies easy categorization, blending cartel thriller, soap opera, musical, and a poignant exploration of gender identity — all with a theatrical flourish.

At the center of the plot is Emilia Pérez, a former cartel boss named Manitas Del Monte, played with astonishing complexity by Karla Sofía Gascón. Emilia, seeking redemption, commissions lawyer Rita (Zoe Saldana) to help her undergo gender confirmation surgery. Four years after her transition, Emilia returns, seeking to reconnect with her family — a wife, Jessi (Selena Gomez), and their two children — while attempting to atone for her past as a cartel leader by working to bring closure to the families of Mexico’s disappeared.

Audiard’s opera-like storytelling is as erratic as it is extravagant, with musical numbers erupting unexpectedly, reflecting the film’s erratic tone. The songs, though not always melodically memorable, serve a purpose in heightening the chaotic energy that defines this daringly ambitious project. The technical elements, particularly the film’s rich cinematography, swoop between gritty, handheld shots of Mexico City’s underworld and the almost whimsical, soundstage feel of its musical sequences. It’s a visual spectacle, but one that doesn’t always cohere.

One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its cast, with Zoe Saldana and Selena Gomez delivering performances that have rightly earned critical acclaim. Saldana, known for her action-heavy roles in Guardians of the Galaxy and Avatar, showcases her versatility, bringing a raw, visceral intensity to Rita. There’s a standout musical number, “The Bad,” where Rita dances with wild abandon, venting her frustrations over the criminals she’s been entangled with. In moments like these, Saldana embodies the film’s manic energy with a captivating precision.

Selena Gomez, on the other hand, surprises with a layered portrayal of Jessi, a role that allows her to shed her Disney Channel origins entirely. As Jessi, the wife of a former cartel leader, Gomez navigates between the role of a grieving widow and a woman wrestling with complex emotions upon learning her husband has returned as Emilia. Her physicality in the film’s climax — which oscillates between heartache and rage — is where Gomez truly shines, marking a career-best performance.

But the heart of the film, undeniably, belongs to Karla Sofía Gascón, a trans actress whose portrayal of Emilia is both a personal triumph and a revelation on screen. Gascón brings an empathetic depth to Emilia, balancing her newfound happiness in her transition with the weight of her violent past. The film’s exploration of Emilia’s identity is tender, grounded in both her personal liberation and the regret she carries for her past sins. Gascón’s performance is fearless and heartbreaking, ensuring that Emilia Pérez stands as a rare cinematic portrayal of trans identity.

Audiard’s bold vision for Emilia Pérez is both its greatest strength and its Achilles’ heel. On a technical level, the film’s cinematography and choreography create an exhilarating, disorienting ride. However, the uneven pacing and sometimes jarring tonal shifts might prove alienating to some viewers. The lyrics of the musical numbers, though integral to the story’s progression, occasionally feel too on-the-nose, as if the characters are simply vocalizing their thoughts in real-time rather than conveying a deeper emotional resonance.

Still, it’s hard to dismiss the film’s unapologetic daring. This is Audiard at his most maximalist, crafting a film that feels at once intimate and epic. Emilia Pérez does not cater to everyone’s tastes, but for those willing to embrace its shaggy, operatic magic, it offers an undeniably memorable experience.

As it makes its way through festival circuits and prepares for a wider release on Netflix, Emilia Pérez is poised to become a major contender this awards season. The film is sure to continue sparking debates — not just for its content but for its genre-defying execution. Despite its flaws, Audiard has created a vibrant, fearless film that is impossible to forget, and the performances from Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez, and Karla Sofía Gascón will be talked about long after the credits roll.

TCG Score: ☆☆☆☆ (4/5)

As we look toward the Oscar race, Emilia Pérez stands out as a bold, genre-defying film that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The performances by Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldana elevate the film, while Karla Sofía Gascón delivers a transcendent portrayal of identity and redemption. Director Jacques Audiard’s fearless approach to combining musical, melodrama, and trans identity themes makes this film one of Netflix’s most ambitious projects to date.

Meanwhile, Gomez’s powerful transformation into a dramatic force, seen in her portrayal of Jessi, proves she is a serious contender for Best Supporting Actress. Emilia Pérez brings a unique energy to the awards season and signals that this trio of women — Gascón, Saldana, and Gomez — are all deserving of the spotlight.

As Audiard continues to explore unconventional narratives, Emilia Pérez leaves us excited for what he’ll tackle next. And if the newly released trailer for Thunderbolts is any indication, 2024 is shaping up to be a stellar year for these talented actors.

EMILIA PÉREZ, in select theaters this November and streaming on Netflix starting November 13 in the US, UK, and Canada.

Standby tickets are still available for NYFF screenings at Film at Lincoln Center and the film will be closing The 36th Annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival on 10/20/24. with it’s bold storytelling and striking performances, EMILIA PÉREZ has become one of this year's festival darlings and continues to further cement its place as a significant contender in this year’s awards season. Don’t miss the chance to experience this boundary-pushing, emotional, and visually stunning film.