Emilia Pérez

Emilia Pérez left me feeling more disappointed than inspired. On paper, the premise,a cartel boss transitioning into a new identity in a violent and hyper-masculine world, offers immense potential. Unfortunately, the film's execution doesn't deliver on that promise. Its lack of focus and disjointed narrative left too much to be desired, making it a frustrating experience.

One of my biggest issues is how the story tries to explore too many themes without committing to any. Is it a movie about transitioning? At times, yes, but it only scratches the surface. Instead of delving into the emotional and physical complexities of transitioning, especially from such a unique position of power and violence, the film pivots into unrelated directions,becoming a kidnapping story, a love triangle, a commentary on Mexican struggles, and more. These shifts made it feel aimless, as if it was afraid to commit to the depth that the main premise demanded.

The film does have its strengths. The musical numbers are surprisingly engaging and, for me, the only element that consistently worked. Even as someone who isn't the biggest fan of musicals, I found myself appreciating these moments, especially those centered on Emilia herself. There's an emotional resonance when the character sings that the rest of the film fails to capture.

Visually, Emilia Pérez also impressed me in places. The creative use of lighting and shadows, particularly in intense scenes, stood out. It felt like a clever way to evoke tension and emotion without relying on expensive effects. For example, a car crash scene managed to convey the chaos without showing every detail, which I thought was a smart and effective choice.

However, these positives don't outweigh the film's inconsistency. The lack of focus made it difficult to connect with the characters or their struggles. By the time the movie ended, I wasn't left with any strong emotions or questions, just a sense of disappointment for what could have been.

Overall, while Emilia Pérez has some standout moments, its inability to fully commit to its main premise left me unsatisfied. It's a film that tries to do too much and ends up achieving too little.