The film “Emilia Pérez” has indeed been the subject of controversy since its release. Here’s a breakdown of the key issues:
1. Depiction of Mexican Culture and Cartel Violence:
- Many Mexicans have criticized the film for its portrayal of cartel violence and its handling of the country’s humanitarian crisis.
- Some argue that the film relies on stereotypes and fails to authentically represent the realities of life in Mexico.
- The fact that the film was primarily shot in France with limited Mexican talent has also been a point of contention.
- Mexican journalist Cecilia Gonzalez described the film as a collection of stereotypes that profits from a humanitarian crisis.
- Cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto also criticized its inauthenticity.
2. Transgender Representation:
- The film has faced criticism from some transgender individuals and organizations like GLAAD for its portrayal of a transgender woman.
- Concerns have been raised that the film relies on “trans stereotypes, tropes, and clichés,” such as the idea of transition as absolution or deception.
- Some critics argue that the film presents a “cis imagination” of transness.
- There has been discussion about the ethics of a cisgender man (the director, Jacques Audiard) directing a film centered on a transgender character without significant input from the trans community.
3. Casting and Authenticity:
- The casting of Karla Sofía Gascón, a Spanish actress, as a Mexican transgender woman has been questioned by some, particularly given the historical relationship between Mexico and Spain.
- There were also criticisms regarding Selena Gomez’s Spanish-speaking role in the film by some native Spanish speakers.
4. Resurfaced Offensive Tweets by Lead Actress Karla Sofía Gascón:
- In late January 2025, old social media posts from Karla Sofía Gascón resurfaced, containing racist, xenophobic, and Islamophobic views, including defending Hitler.
- This led to Netflix reportedly removing Gascón from the film’s Oscar campaign and cutting direct communication with her.
In summary, the controversy surrounding “Emilia Pérez” encompasses concerns about its representation of Mexican culture, its portrayal of transgender identity, casting choices, and offensive social media activity by its lead actress. These issues have led to a polarized reception of the film, particularly in Mexico and within the LGBTQ+ community.