Netflix has released the trailer for “Emilia Perez,” a musical drama directed by Jacques Audiard that made waves at Cannes this year, winning the jury prize and best actress award for its stars, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Adriana Paz. The film is now being positioned as one of Netflix’s major Oscar contenders this fall.
Synopsis: The film follows the journey of four women in Mexico, each seeking their own happiness. The central character, Emilia (played by Gascón), is a fearsome cartel leader who enlists Rita (Saldaña), an underappreciated lawyer, to help her fake her death so she can live authentically as her true self and undergo gender reassignment surgery. Selena Gomez stars as the mother of Emilia’s two sons, adding to the film’s emotional depth.
Critics have praised the film for its bold portrayal of identity and transformation. Variety’s Peter Debruge called it an “exhilarating Spanish-language (half-sung) portrait of a former cartel boss’s life-changing transformation,” noting that it challenges stereotypes while offering a powerful and unfiltered narrative.
Release: “Emilia Perez” is set to open in select theaters on November 1, before becoming available for streaming on Netflix starting November 13. The film’s mix of star power, compelling story, and critical acclaim has positioned it as a strong contender in this year’s awards season.
