Jacques Audiard's critically acclaimed Emilia Pérez isn't a conventional film by any stretch of the imagination. Audiard is well known for exploring genre throughout his filmography, and he certainly didn't let a single genre define this bold tale, co-penning a script that introduces the world to Karla Sofía Gascón's Emilia, a Mexican cartel leader who fakes her own death for the chance at rebirth.
At the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, not only did Gascón, the film's lead, receive the Best Actress Award, but her co-stars Adriana Paz, Selena Gomez, and Zoe Saldaña also took home the prestigious honor. If that doesn't convince you this operatic musical hits all the right notes, I don't know what would. In addition to nailing their performances, these women took the screen by storm with original musical numbers that even gave a Grammy nominee and a Hollywood A-lister pause.
For the limited theatrical release of Emilia Pérez, ahead of its Netflix premiere on November 13th, Collider's Perri Nemiroff had the opportunity to sit down with the cast. During this interview with Saldaña and Gomez, they share the scenes that impacted them most, including one especially intense audition. In a film full of heavy moments and cathartic releases, Saldaña and Gomez also pinpoint the pivotal moments in the movie that required the most courage. You can watch the full conversation in the video above or read the interview transcript below.
