Madonna’s movie of the year? ‘Emilia Pérez’ stars on the Queen Of Pop’s praise & their universal love story
Emilia Pérez is many things: It’s a gritty crime drama, it’s a grandiose musical, it’s a film that’s already making history for trans representation in global cinema thanks to its breakout star, Karla Sofía Gascón.But what you might not have heard is that it’s also a queer love story, one that reminds us, even in dark times, that we’re all worthy of tenderness, empathy, and someone to call home.From French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, Emilia Pérez follows the titular protagonist (Gascón), a former feared cartel leader who has since transitioned with the help of an intrepid lawyer (Zoe Saldaña) and is now trying to care for her ex (Selena Gomez) and her two young children, while working to atone for her past.Subscribe to our newsletter for your front-row seat to all things entertainment with a sprinkle of everything else queer.When she re-emerges in society as a philanthropist who helps families locate the bodies of their loved ones lost to the crime epidemic, Emilia meets a woman (Adriana Paz) still traumatized by her former partner, who one day disappeared without a trace.
The woman’s name is Epifania—which translates to “epiphany” in English—which is no coincidence.Speaking with Queerty, Paz described Emilia and Epifania’s meeting as an “explosion of love,” one that rocks both of their worlds and quickly evolves into a passionate romance.
Because of what they’ve been through, neither ever dared to imagine they’d be worthy of the happiness they find in each other, not until their shared epiphany.“I think this part of the movie is having a great impact because we all can relate with love,” Paz said of the strong emotions Emilia Pérez‘s love story is stirring up in audiences. “Maybe someone broke your heart, or maybe you’ve just fallen in love for this first time—it’s a powerful force.
