Selena Gomez has once again stepped into the spotlight with her latest role in Emilia Perez, a film that has left audiences divided. Directed by Jacques Audiard and released on Netflix on November 13, the movie tells a bold and unconventional story set in Mexico. While critics have praised the film for its ambition and unique narrative, many viewers have taken to social media to call it “the most offensive movie of the year.” With mixed reactions and intense debates, Emilia Perez has sparked conversations about representation, storytelling, and artistic risks.
What Is Emilia Perez All About?
The plot of Emilia Perez is as unconventional as it is intriguing. The film centers on a feared cartel boss who seeks a lawyer’s help to leave his criminal empire behind and transform into the woman he’s always dreamed of becoming. Selena Gomez plays Jessi Del Monte, a wife and mother of two, alongside Spanish trans actor Karla Sofía Gascón in the titular role and Zoe Saldaña as Rita, a high-powered lawyer. The narrative dives deep into themes of identity, transformation, and redemption, wrapped in a world of crime and chaos.
The film has received an 80% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7/10 rating on IMDb, reflecting critical acclaim. However, the reception among audiences has been far more divided, with viewers questioning its portrayal of Mexican culture, trans identity, and its overall execution.
Selena Gomez’s Journey as Jessi Del Monte
Selena Gomez, known for her versatility as both a singer and actress, took on a significant challenge with her role in Emilia Perez. Speaking about her experience, Gomez revealed how much she valued the opportunity to perform in Spanish, despite not being fully fluent.
“It was very exciting,” she told Sky News. “I’m not completely fluent, so for me, it was really incredible to be able to even just be around people who were speaking it. I found it to be a very proud moment for sure.”
Gomez has also spoken about her desire to push boundaries in her acting career. Reflecting on her role, she shared: “I definitely don’t have any regrets. I genuinely think if anything, doing this movie has given me a little bit of a pat on the back, and I felt encouraged. I feel eager and excited to go for material that I don’t think people would typically expect of me.”
Her performance, though praised by some, hasn’t been immune to criticism. Online, detractors have expressed frustration with how the character was written and portrayed, calling out what they saw as missed opportunities for authenticity.
The Backlash: Why Emilia Perez Is Stirring Controversy
Despite its accolades, Emilia Perez has faced a storm of criticism, particularly on social media platforms. Many users on X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit have slammed the film for being “offensive” and “out of touch.”
One critic wrote: “I have it on good authority that it’s a distasteful, borderline offensive pile of trash masquerading as a bold and accurate representation of what it is to live in Mexico.”
Another comment on Reddit highlighted deeper issues: “This was genuinely maybe the worst movie of the year for me. Insanely offensive, yes (it manages to windmill slam on every single bad trans movie trope, and that’s even before you get into the Mexican culture aspect of it all), but frankly, the worst part of it was how incredibly boring everything was.”
The portrayal of Mexican culture and trans identity has been at the heart of much of the backlash. Some viewers felt the film leaned too heavily on stereotypes and failed to deliver a nuanced representation of the themes it sought to explore.
A Musical Gamble: The Songs That Divided Viewers
Adding to the controversy are the musical elements of Emilia Perez. Critics and viewers alike have noted the “laughably bad” quality of the songs, with one user commenting: “The songs are laughably bad. I literally laughed at most song scenes because they were so ridiculously out of place and horribly written.”
While the inclusion of musical numbers aimed to bring a theatrical flair to the story, many felt that it detracted from the film’s impact. Others, however, appreciated the boldness of the attempt, recognizing it as a deliberate stylistic choice by Audiard.
Critical Acclaim Amid Viewer Frustration
Despite the polarizing audience reactions, Emilia Perez has been well-received in critical circles. The film won the Jury Prize at the 77th Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, and Karla Sofía Gascón earned the Best Actress award for her portrayal of Emilia. These accolades highlight the film’s ambition and the strength of its core performances, even as viewers remain divided.
For Gomez, the project represents a significant step in her acting career, signaling her willingness to take risks and explore complex roles. “I felt encouraged,” she said, underscoring her excitement to continue challenging herself with unconventional material.
The Bigger Picture: Artistic Risks and Representation
The controversy surrounding Emilia Perez reflects broader conversations about representation in film. The choice to cast a Spanish trans actor in the lead role has been praised, yet some feel the execution fell short of honoring the complexities of trans identity. Similarly, the film’s depiction of Mexican culture has raised questions about whether it perpetuates stereotypes rather than dismantling them.
At its core, Emilia Perez is a reminder that art often walks a fine line between challenging norms and sparking debate. Whether viewed as a bold experiment or a misstep, the film has succeeded in generating conversation—a hallmark of impactful cinema.
Conclusion: A Divisive Film with Lasting Impact
Selena Gomez’s Emilia Perez is a film that dares to push boundaries, and in doing so, it has sparked passionate reactions from both critics and audiences. While some laud its ambition and thematic depth, others view it as a missed opportunity riddled with stereotypes and poor execution.
Regardless of where you stand, there’s no denying the film’s cultural impact. It’s a bold step for Gomez and a testament to her willingness to take on challenging roles. Whether you love it or loathe it, Emilia Perez is a film that refuses to be ignored—just like the conversations it continues to ignite. If you’re curious, you can stream it now on Netflix and decide for yourself.
