I love it when I know I am watching something special, something that will resonate for me, something I will want to revisit. I felt all of that while watching Audiard's crime saga/musical/epic, Emilia Pérez, a film that is very much a unique experience.
Audiard tells the story of four women, each trying to find their own way to freedom. His story is about transformation, both literal and spiritual. There is a line early on about how you can change physically which effects your world which effects your humanity. We watch as these women move from one state to another. It is tragic and operatic and gonzo at times. And it is blissful and painful and filled with lovely moments.
The cast does an amazing job here bringing these women to life. No wonder they won as a group the Best Actress prize at Cannes. For me it was Saldaña who truly shone. She is the centre of this story and perhaps the most transformed in the end. Her performance moved me, shocked me, and thrilled me. Gomez, Paz and Gascón all impressed as well.
As the film weaved its narratives through their twists and turns, I never truly knew how it would end up but as its explosive climax arrived, it all made sense, coming together completely. There are numerous scenes where each of the women laugh/cry at the same time and the film is commenting on how much joy and sorrow, freedom and loss, can be tied together.
Emilia Pérez is easily one of the most haunting and memorable films of the year.
Emilia Pérez
Starring: Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, Mark Ivanir, Édgar Ramírez
Writer/Director: Jacques Audiard
No comments:
Post a Comment