5 Reasons You Should Watch Selena Gomez’s Emilia Pérez if You Haven’t Already

Have you seen Emilia Pérez yet? If not, it’s time to pay attention. This movie isn’t just another film with a cartel storyline—it’s much more than that. And we’re not just talking about the fact that Selena Gomez is in it (although that definitely helps).

This movie is not your run-of-the-mill gangster drama. It’s a kaleidoscope of bold colors, audacious performances, and a journey that shatters limits on identity, redemption, and power.

Directed by Jacques Audiard, the French filmmaker behind Rust and Bone, Emilia Pérez tackles themes that feel more relevant than ever. Still unsure if it’s worth your time? Here are five reasons you should check it out.

1. Emilia Pérez delivers a riveting tale of redemption

No doubt, redemption arcs are chef’s kiss. And Emilia Pérez delivers one that will make you feel everything—anger, frustration, hope, and maybe even a touch of envy. The story begins with Rita, a lawyer stuck in a job she hates, drowning in bureaucracy, and longing for something more.

Enter Manitas Del Monte, a Mexican drug lord who has everything—except the one thing she truly wants: to be a woman. Manitas’ journey of self-discovery takes us from villain to hero, but not in a clean-cut way. She undergoes a full transformation—physically, emotionally, and even spiritually.

There’s a poetic irony here: the community mourns her as a saint when, in reality, they’re only seeing half the story. There’s blood, violence, and a whole lot of drama, but at the core of it is a struggle for something deeper: a quest to live authentically.

When a character like Manitas decides to fight for herself, you feel it in your gut. Gascón’s performance is so gripping that it’s impossible not to root for her, even when her past catches up with her. 

2. Emilia Pérez tackles socially relevant themes

The film follows a cartel kingpin, a lawyer, and a transition—but it’s so much more than that. Emilia Pérez delves into intense social issues that resonate deeply today, especially in Mexico, where violence and gender inequality remain pervasive.

The film doesn’t just throw around drama for the sake of it—it tackles the systemic violence faced by Mexican women, from the horrifying abuse at the hands of husbands to the terrifying power dynamics within the drug trade.

It’s a brutal, unflinching look at the inequalities that persist, especially when it comes to women’s rights and safety. But the movie doesn’t stop there.

Oh no, it takes it a step further by examining womanhood in all its forms. Manitas, in her quest to transition, is confronting societal norms, gender roles, and the expectations placed on her as a person, a woman, and a leader.

3. Emilia Pérez boasts a strong female cast

One of the most impressive things about Emilia Pérez is its all-star female cast. We’re not just talking about one strong woman—there are several. The movie centers around Karla Sofía Gascón’s performance as Emilia/Manitas, but she’s not alone.

Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz all bring powerful, dynamic performances that make this film unforgettable. Gascón is the star of the show, playing both the cruel Manitas and the more vulnerable Emilia.

Her portrayal is raw, emotional, and deeply compelling. She won the top acting award at the Cannes Film Festival for a reason—her performance is nothing short of breathtaking.

Saldaña, best known for her roles in Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy, plays Rita, the lawyer who gets pulled into this wild world. Rita’s struggle between doing what’s right and what’s necessary is relatable and shows the complexity of her character.

The Hollywood star keeps it real. She makes Rita feel human, relatable, and totally believable—even in all the chaos. And then there’s Selly, who plays Jessi, Emilia’s wife. Gomez is a natural fit for this role, bringing depth and vulnerability to a character who’s caught between love and fear.

Her part may be smaller than Gascón and Saldaña’s, but she definitely holds her own and brings a whole new layer of emotion to the film. Together, these strong women create a film that is both empowering and emotional.

4. Emilia Pérez is a French-Mexican-Spanish telenovela

At first, this might sound a little strange—Emilia Pérez is a French-Mexican-Spanish telenovela? Yup, that’s right. And you know what? It works. Telenovelas are known for their over-the-top drama, dramatic plot twists, and a lot of emotions.

Emilia Pérez takes that classic telenovela style and gives it a modern, edgy spin. Despite being set in Mexico City, much of the film was shot in France. It was originally supposed to be filmed in Mexico, but due to scheduling conflicts with the cast, the production moved to Paris (as reported by Variety).

Surprisingly, this worked out well, as the French influence adds an interesting layer to the story. The film is 95%  Spanish (with a few French words thrown in), and it blends elements of Mexican culture with a European filmmaking style. 

5. Emilia Pérez has storytelling that makes you rethink everything

The storytelling in Emilia Pérez is top-notch. Right from the beginning, it hits you with nonstop surprises and keeps you hooked. It’s raw, unflinching, and constantly has you questioning everything—especially the characters themselves.

The film is directed by Jacques Audiard, a master of blending genres and emotions. He blends musical numbers with real-world issues, creating a film that’s visually stunning and thematically rich. Every dance, every song, pulls you deeper into the emotional heart of the story.

And that’s what’s so brilliant about it—Emilia Pérez isn’t afraid to ask hard questions or show you uncomfortable truths. The film’s gritty cinematography, paired with those larger-than-life musical sequences, creates a unique tension.

The film might look like a musical on the surface, but it’s so much more—a meditation on desire, regret, and self-worth that forces you to rethink everything.

Emilia Pérez is available to stream on Netflix!