Everything To Know About Upcoming Film ‘Emilia Pérez'
Already critically acclaimed, here's what to know about the upcoming film starring Selena Gomez.
Selena Gomez is making headlines once again, but this time, it’s not for her music or beauty brand. The multi-talented star is returning to the big screen with Emilia Pérez, a genre-bending musical crime comedy that promises to be one of the most talked-about releases this year.
Directed by Jacques Audiard, known for Dheepan and A Prophet, the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024, where it was more than well-received, as the audience gave the film and Gomez a standing ovation.
What do we know so far about the highly anticipated film? L'OFFICIEL runs down everything you need to know about Emilia Pérez.
The Plot
At the heart of Emilia Pérez is a story about self-discovery and reinvention. The plot centers around Emilia Pérez (played by Karla Sofía Gascón), a notorious Mexican cartel leader who decides to fake her death to start a new life. Emilia’s desire for a fresh start is deeply rooted in her journey to live authentically as a transgender woman.
As Emilia plots her escape, she enlists the help of her lawyer, Rita, played by Zoe Saldaña. Together, they orchestrate a plan to stage Emilia’s death, but things get complicated, especially with Emilia’s wife, Jessi, played by Selena Gomez, who adds her own flair to this high-stakes, deeply personal tale.
The Cast
Selena Gomez stars as Jessi, Emilia’s love interest and a character described as feisty, loyal, and passionate. Zoe Saldaña plays Rita, the lawyer helping Emilia execute her escape plan. And, of course, Karla Sofía Gascón takes on the challenging role of Emilia, bringing depth and authenticity to the character’s emotional journey.
The cast has already been celebrated for their dynamic performances. At Cannes, the female ensemble—Gascón, Saldaña, Gomez, and Adriana Paz—received the Best Actress award collectively, a rare and distinguished honor.
The Cannes Premiere and Critical Acclaim
Emilia Pérez premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, earning a positive response from the audience and a standing ovation. Critics have praised the film for its bold approach to storytelling, blending genres such as musical, crime thriller, and comedy to create an unexpected experience. The film also won the Jury Prize, solidifying its place as a standout entry at this year’s festival.
The film’s unique perspective and groundbreaking narrative have already sparked conversations about potential accolades in the upcoming awards season. With both critics and fans eager for more, Emilia Pérez is positioned as one of the year’s must-watch films.
Streaming and Theatrical Release
Following its limited theatrical release, which began on November 1, 2024, Emilia Pérez is set to reach an even broader audience when it begins streaming on Netflix on November 13, 2024. With Gomez’s global fan base eagerly awaiting her return to film, the Netflix release is expected to generate significant viewership and spark even more conversations about the film’s groundbreaking themes.
Want a sneak peek before it's on streaming? Check out the trailer below.
