IN PERSON: Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofia Gascón, Adriana Paz, and Edgar Ramirez
Can a radical transformation change one’s destiny? Jacques Audiard’s (Dheepan, MVFF36) narco trans musical explores this question with a unique, wonderful blend: crime-thriller-meets-exuberant-musical, complete with production numbers. Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz star in this story of ruthless cartel boss Manitas Del Monte, who hires lawyer Rita Moro Castro (Saldaña) to manage his sex change to become Emilia Pérez (Gascón) while his family relocates to Switzerland. Awarded Cannes’ best actress jury prize for its ensemble, the film brings women to the forefront of the traditionally male-dominated gangster movie. Audiard enhances the genre’s visual and tonal hallmarks with a liberating sense of expression through song and dance, making Emilia Pérez a standout in contemporary cinema with its engaging and compelling narrative and stellar performances. —João Federici
