Beverly Boy Reviews - Emilia Pérez

A Mexican lawyer is offered an unusual job to help a notorious cartel boss retire and transition into living as a woman, fulfilling a long-held desire.
 

 

Release date: November 13, 2024 (United States)



Director: Jacques Audiard



Stars: Zoe SaldanaKarla Sofía GascónSelena Gomez

Full Cast >>



Based on:
Emilia Pérez; by Jacques Audiard; Écoute; by Boris Razon



Distributed by: Pathé


 

Comedy, Crime, Musical, Thriller

Motion Picture Rating (MPA): Rated R for language, some violent content and sexual material.



Audience Reviews

Kathleen A. Bombach
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"Wildly creative, heart-wrenching, and beautifully acted. Zoe Saldana delivers an Oscar-worthy performance, and Selena Gomez surprises with a tough yet fitting portrayal. A stunning and devastating cinematic experience."
Jasmine Tiffany Gravador
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"An emotional journey that left me in tears. Emilia’s inspiring story of love and resilience is beautifully portrayed by Zoe and Selena. A bittersweet yet powerful must-watch."
Jesse
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"Action-packed with great music and thrilling twists. Highly recommend for fans of crime movies with unique plots."
Lauren R
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"Great story with potential, but weak cinematography and uneven character focus hold it back. Emilia shines, but supporting roles and music fall short. A film that deserves a better remake."
Ivette Quinones
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"Disappointing musical with awkward singing and an uneven performance by Selena due to her lack of fluent Spanish. Despite a great cast, the movie falls flat."

Critic Reviews

Lauren Veneziani >> WBAL-TV (Baltimore)
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Veneziani calls Emilia Pérez a unique emotional experience, highlighting Zoe Saldaña's "El Mal" scene as a magical cinematic moment.
Ben Turner >> The Pink Lens
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Turner finds the film innovative in execution but critiques its over-the-top style and a story that loses its way.
Russ Simmons >> KKFI-FM
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Simmons appreciates the novel approach and arresting story of Emilia Pérez, though not all elements work, and the music feels conventional.
Michael Ward >> Should I See It
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Ward praises the film's ambition and technical achievements but finds it uncomfortable and ultimately flat.
Keith Garlington >> Keith & the Movies
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Garlington commends Saldaña’s performance but struggles to find reasons to care about the characters.

Overview: A Hilarious and Heartfelt Adventure in Emilia Pérez (2024)

In Emilia Pérez (2024), audiences are treated to a vibrant blend of comedy, drama, and music that redefines the heist genre. Directed by the visionary Jacques Audiard, this whimsical film stars Selena Gomez as the titular Emilia, a fugitive who undergoes a gender transition to escape the law, setting the stage for a wild and emotional journey. The film masterfully balances its high-energy antics with moments of genuine introspection, delivering a cinematic experience that is as touching as it is entertaining.

Cinematography: A Colorful Tapestry of Humor and Emotion

The cinematography in Emilia Pérez is a dazzling feast for the eyes. From the neon-lit clubs of Mexico City to the sun-soaked streets where Emilia builds her new life, each scene bursts with color and texture. Cinematographer Ruben Impens captures the film’s duality—its larger-than-life humor and heartfelt moments—with skillful camera work that immerses viewers in Emilia’s world.

For Beverly Boy Productions, Emilia Pérez is a masterclass in visual storytelling, showcasing how vibrant imagery can amplify both comedic timing and emotional depth. The camera becomes a character in itself, dancing through musical sequences and lingering in moments of reflection, creating a kaleidoscope of visual emotions.

Production Design: Bold, Vibrant, and Full of Life

The production design in Emilia Pérez is a bold celebration of culture and individuality. Emilia’s transformation is mirrored in the set design, which evolves from gritty realism to a vibrant, almost surreal aesthetic as she embraces her new identity. Costumes play a pivotal role in the storytelling, blending elements of Mexican folklore with high fashion to create a look as unique and dynamic as Emilia herself.

At Beverly Boy Productions, we’re inspired by the way Emilia Pérez uses production design to reinforce its themes. The attention to detail in every location and costume highlights the transformative power of storytelling, reminding us of the importance of visual cohesion in creating a memorable cinematic experience.

Camera Work: Dynamic and Playful

Emilia Pérez embraces a playful approach to its camera work, capturing both the chaos of its high-energy heist scenes and the intimacy of Emilia’s personal journey. The use of handheld shots during moments of tension contrasts beautifully with the smooth, sweeping movements of the musical numbers, creating a rhythm that keeps the audience engaged.

We admire how Emilia Pérez uses dynamic camera work to reflect its protagonist’s inner and outer worlds. The shifts between frenetic action and quieter, introspective moments are seamless, a testament to the director’s keen eye for pacing and emotional nuance.

Post-Production and Visual Effects: A Symphony of Style

The editing in Emilia Pérez is sharp and inventive, weaving together comedic beats and emotional revelations with expert precision. The visual effects are minimal but purposeful, enhancing the film’s musical sequences with bursts of surrealism that amplify the magic without overpowering the narrative. Meanwhile, the musical score, composed by Nicolas Jaar, is a standout element, blending traditional Mexican sounds with modern beats to create a soundtrack as unforgettable as the film itself.

At Beverly Boy Productions, we’re inspired by Emilia Pérez’s seamless integration of post-production elements. The film’s ability to use sound and visuals to elevate its story underscores the importance of precision and creativity in the editing room.

Final Thoughts

Emilia Pérez (2024) is a joyous and thought-provoking ride that defies genre conventions and celebrates the power of transformation. With its stellar performances, inventive visuals, and heartfelt storytelling, the film is a triumph that leaves a lasting impression. Selena Gomez shines in a career-defining role, delivering a performance that is equal parts hilarious and deeply moving.

For Beverly Boy Productions, Emilia Pérez is an inspiring example of cinematic artistry that blends technical excellence with emotional storytelling. Like the film, we strive to create content that resonates with audiences, bringing bold ideas and heartfelt stories to life with creativity and passion.

Top Cast and Characters

Zoe Saldaña as Rita Moro Castro. Pathé

Zoe Saldaña as Rita Moro Castro
Rita Moro Castro, a lawyer who helps Manitas Del Monte transition to a woman, is portrayed by Zoe Saldaña. The 46-year-old actress is best known for her iconic roles in blockbuster franchises like Avatar, Avengers: Endgame, and Guardians of the Galaxy. Rising to prominence in the early 2000s with films such as Drumline and Pirates of the Caribbean, Saldaña recently starred in Taylor Sheridan’s Lioness series.

Karla Sofía Gascón as Manitas Del Monte / Emilia Pérez. Pathé

Karla Sofía Gascón as Manitas Del Monte / Emilia Pérez
Manitas Del Monte, a cartel kingpin who transitions to Emilia Pérez, is played by Karla Sofía Gascón. The 52-year-old Spanish actress has an extensive career in film and television, including We Are the Nobles and El Señor de los Cielos. Gascón made history as the first openly trans actor to win a Cannes Film Festival award for her performance in Emilia Pérez.

Selena Gomez as Jessi. Pathé

Selena Gomez as Jessi
Selena Gomez plays Jessi in Emilia Pérez. The 32-year-old actress and singer rose to fame with Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place and went on to star in Spring Breakers and Hotel Transylvania. As a musician, she has produced chart-topping hits like “Lose You To Love Me.” Gomez currently stars in the Emmy-winning Only Murders in the Building.

Movie Highlights

  1. Musical Brilliance
    Emilia Pérez offers an enthralling blend of music and drama, weaving captivating melodies into the narrative to heighten the emotional impact of its characters’ journeys.
  2. Bold Themes
    The film explores identity, transformation, and societal acceptance with striking vulnerability. Its thought-provoking storyline challenges viewers to reflect on self-discovery and the courage it takes to embrace change.
  3. Powerhouse Performances
    The cast delivers mesmerizing performances, led by a standout portrayal from its lead, who captures Emilia’s struggle and resilience with depth and authenticity.
  4. Visual and Sonic Excellence
    Directed with finesse, the film is a visual feast. Lush cinematography and a stirring score come together to craft a world that is as immersive as it is poignant, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

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