Emilia Perez Movie Review with Brian & Ryan!

Emilia Perez is a beguiling genre hybrid that has to be seen to be believed. In this movie review out of TIFF, Ryan Casselman joins me in-person for a no spoiler review! #queer #emiliaperez #oscars #academyawards #tiff2024 #zoesaldana #selenagomez #karlasofiagascon #filmreview #moviereview #theawardscontender
THE AWARDS CONTENDER ON PATREON
Exclusive Videos, Vote for Elusive Oscar, and More!
/ theawardscontender
WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY BRIAN ROWE
/ mrbrianrowe
/ mrbrianrowe
FOLLOW RYAN CASSELMAN
/ @ryancasselman
FOR ALL INQUIRIES
[e-mail]
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod
Free download: filmmusic.io/s....
License (CC BY 4.0): filmmusic.io/s...
Artist website: incompetech.com

[@marvinrod]

Hey! There’s a mistake in this review. Karla Sofia Gascón plays Emilia both before and after the transition!

[@Jadeebokerrzone]

I believe Zoe Saldana will get her first Oscar nomination with this film...

[@poett8875]

And tbh with how blasé supporting actress is looking this year…..again. I could actually envision her winning.

[@autumnmccatty3595]

I believe Selena Gomez will be nominated for her first Oscar as well

[@MikeyTrahant]

@@poett8875 Is this movie really that good?

[@Leeeooooooooooo]

it's crazy that this would be her FIRST, she deserved so many time ago

[@joelanthonylim6792]

Gascon is playing both the pre & post transition Emilia!

[@emarte]

Zoe Saldana actually sang the opening song in Avatar The Way of Water in Na'vi language. It was really moving. During Neteyam's funeral (her son) she sings it again. She's also a trained dancer and Caribbean (we do really know how to dance and move)

[@LifesBestFinds]

I think a lot of people will assume that Karla is supporting because they don't realize that she also plays the head of the cartel in the first part of the film.

[@reles5289]

I remember hearing one reviewer saying that even with her dual roles, she still had more or less the same screen time as Zoe Saldana which is why people were initially confused about who would be going lead and supporting.

[@jonr8315]

I’m okay with Baz Luhrmann-style visuals as long as they don’t come with Baz Luhrmann-style editing

[@sasha76944]

I personally loved Emilia Perez I think Karla, Zoe and Selena are oscar worthy in this film, hopefully they get some love during awards season

[@LifesBestFinds]

Karla is also the one who plays the head of the cartel, she is characterized as manitas, not another actor

[@MrsImogen]

I've seen all of your reviews from TIFF, and there's a common thread: a lot of the new films start strong, but in the 2nd half, kinda fizzle out.

[@ricardoediza2690]

Anora and The Brutalist would like to disagree

[@MrsImogen]

@@ricardoediza2690 I said a lot of the films, not all.

[@JKReAl]

@@ricardoediza2690actually the vast majority of the brutalist reviews say exactly that, even the masterpiece raves talked about a not that strong second half

[@NormaLilia24]

I watched she film yesterday and I liked it.. I didn't watch the trailer so I went in completely blind with zero expectations. I don't like musicals so when the musicals started I was like ohh noo I thought I was going to shut it off but I gave it the benefit of the doubt and I'm glad I did. By the end of the film I was so sucked in, it was great. I thought all actresses did amazing and I do think they will all get nominated for the major awards. That being said I also rate it 7/10

[@singstreetcar5881]

France didn't pick anatomy of a fall because the director criticised the French president

[@gabrielcastaneda9700]

But the Cesar awards gave it so much love

[@hennersmusicreviews58]

@@gabrielcastaneda9700Yeah they aren’t known for being particularly pro government. If protesting was an Olympic sport, France would win gold every time.

[@flazeda8743]

​@@hennersmusicreviews58Which is positive since being pleased with bad results ain't a good idea... 😊

[@andyanderson3628]

It's so great to get a review per day!

[@adrianhaynes5315]

Zoe is absolutely the lead 😂

[@perryjones7771]

Literally. Don’t get me wrong I loved Karla’s performance and I want to see history be made but like this???

[@adrianhaynes5315]

@ no reason they can’t both be campaigned in Lead. And campaign Selma in Supporting.

[@ThisApp]

Karla Sofia Gascon gives one of the strongest performances of the year. Certainly thought it was stronger than Amy Adams in Nightbitch. It's not just more acting, but it's great acting.

[@perryjones7771]

I could see a path to her winning that Oscar. But I’m really rooting for Mikey.

[@ThisApp]

@@perryjones7771 Mikey is amazing! Definitely also deserving and will be a huge contender given how well-receive Anora continues to be.

[@heymistercarter.]

I think Karla, Angelina, and Mikey have the best chances of getting in for Best Actress so far this year. Some said Amy Adams was an early contender for Nightb*tch. Seeing as how that movie hasn't really taken off in the festival circuit, though, I don't see it happening.

[@ThisApp]

@@heymistercarter. I saw Nightb*tch at its world premiere in Toronto and it's not a serious contender. It's a good performance but the movie itself is nothing to rave about.

[@qcrew2938]

I'm not sure about this movie but I do know that the acting especially by Karla was fantastic!

[@jdnh112358]

As a Latin American from a country affected by cartel violence, I didn’t like Emilia Perez. It trivializes the harsh reality of cartel violence, using it as a backdrop for a story about self-discovery without diving into the consequences of the main character’s actions. Selena Gomez, who doesn’t speak fluent Spanish, was likely cast for her star power rather than authenticity-why not a native Mexican actress? It feels like a serious issue for millions of people is being used as a prop, and the French director didn’t seem to understand the gravity of the situation. A missed opportunity for a more thoughtful portrayal

[@CAIQUEPEREIRADIAS]

because her character isnt mexican.

[@adilelnhaily6014]

Selena Gomez's character, Jessi, was a Mexican American. And the film was not about the reality of the cartel, it was, as you said, a story about self-discovery. There are other films about cartel. Traffic is one of them.

[@jdnh112358]

@@adilelnhaily6014 @@adilelnhaily6014

[@jdnh112358]

@@adilelnhaily6014 I get that it’s a story of self-discovery, but using cartel violence as a backdrop without addressing its real-world consequences in a nuanced way is problematic. It’s like making a movie about an SS general coming to terms with their gender identity while rehabilitating their image, as if the war crimes were just mistakes instead of punishable atrocities. Even if the focus isn’t on the violence, you can’t gloss over the harm caused by these actions. And while Jessi is Mexican-American, the cultural and linguistic inauthenticity still detracts from the story, especially when dealing with such sensitive topics.

[@roccocupido5082]

​@@jdnh112358nitpick much❓

[@georgialerangis2123]

Great work, you guys are so CUTE together! As a granny, I can say that! I think you BOTH have great channels & content!❤

[@wendyful]

I didn't know that so much of the movie is in Spanish. That kind of makes me worried because her Spanish is not that good. I just watched a trailer, and even though she almost didn't speak there, it stood up quite a lot.

[@richardbennettiii7182]

The depiction of Mexico isnt bad. As a Mexican i am not mad at it. The acting itself is good. The story is at least interesting, what gets me is having Zoe be Dominican and no very clearly indicate that she is and is now living in Mexico and working there as a lawyer and it isnt dawning on anyone that is what is happening. There are black people in mexico she could have played a true mexican, by getting the accent right , but i feel like this movie did not make the efford to cast any mexicans as the main characters or give the actors the time to sound and feel mexican. Selena is supposed to be a mexican american women that still cannot speak spanish fluently even after living in mexico for years, just give the girl more time to get it right. The lady playing Epifania is the only mexican actress in the cast and she does an amazing job. I think from the mexican audience she is the only that makes sense in this story. Everything else feels fake. Like a soap opera by way France. The other issue i have with it is that the main character is one of the most violent man turn trans women. The trans part is not the issue, the issue is that i am supposed to believe that a men that has inflicted so much violence and death and was probably one creating many of the death and missing of my country has a sudden chance of heart and now wants to help people find their missing death. The story just didnt give me enough to belive the change. Just didnt.

[@PaulDelord]

OMG I just love when U two make videos together. Plz make more cooperation if U can, love the chemistry between U two when talking about movies❤❤❤

[@marrmart7690]

Thank you brian❤ and rayan❤ about review of emilia peraze❤❤❤💛💛💛 good to watch you togther❤❤❤

[@adilelnhaily6014]

Zoe Saldana and Karla Gascon were co-lead. But I did prefer Zoe's performance over Karla's, even if I did like her too. Zoe was fierce !

[@sanches4314]

Great movie completly out the box from visionary French director Jacques Audiard. One of the best movies of the year with stellar performances from KSG, ZS, SG . It will receive many oscar nods, movie, director , actress and supporting actress’s, screenplay, sound, score , best song ( Emilia and Epifania theme ) and make up ( KSG as Manitas del Monte ).

[@heymistercarter.]

Here are the Oscars I think this movie could get in for: Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña (Selena Gomez, I could see her being shortlisted, but missing the final cut) Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón Solid chances of Best Picture, Director for Jacques Audiard, and Screenplay (it'll at least get in for one or two of these) Maybe one or two technical awards, like Cinematography or Sound Best Original Score And at least one or two of the songs have a VERY strong chance of getting in for Best Original Song. The song that's mentioned here, where Saldaña dances on tables at a benefit gala (it's called El Mal, by the way), that would be my choice, since it was one of the best moments of the entire movie for me.

[@annebrunski7123]

I'm an older movie goer and I have to say I loved this film. It was different but accessible. I thought Zoe, Karla and Selena were all very good and Zoe and Karla should get the Oscar noms. I disagree with Ryan that there was not much to the story. Karla began as a cartel boss, transitioned to a woman who missed her family, then tried to redeem herself by helping others. The ending sequence was somewhat appropriate although a bit over the top. Overall a 9/10 for me, although I don't think it can win Best Picture.

[@duanein3d]

You guys are really fun together lol

[@abysstruthpoet]

Its a film with a cartel leader as the lead character how is anyone shocked it turning dark at the end

[@singstreetcar5881]

We love beautiful Ryan ❤. He is a cutie😊

[@jgg59]

I would love for you to take a look at Ireland’s entry into the international film category Kneecap one of the best films I’ve seen this year. One critic said it was Trainspotting hybrid with a Hard Days Night. Direction, cinematography, story. The three lads have never acted before playing themselves incredible with Michael Fassbender and Simone Kirby. even if you don’t know the politics of the north of Ireland, it is a wild ride.

[@Leo-Faure1]

12:27 On contrary, i think the French comity of selection picked "The taste of things" because they thought it represented more France for Americans. In France we know that foreigners are fond of the vintage imagery of France (just see "Emily in Paris"). That's the reason the only people you see playing accordeon on the parisian subways aren't Frenchs.

[@drdavid1963]

I think Brian is loving Conclave too much. When you say, voters are going to 'love' that film, you are forgetting they voted Parasite and Everything Everywhere All At Once best picture. I think the Academy is ready for another original movie. Conclave has basically got no chance. Emilia Perez, Anora and The Brutalist are going to fight it out. As for the 'right' rating for this movie, I would say 9

[@makeithappenwithenglish1648]

But i really want nicole kidman to win best actress for babygirl

[@denniszenanywhere]

It’s a crowded race with Angelina Jolie as Maria callas too. Gascon and Saldana are also going to be nominated.

[@calebjackson3895]

I don't think the movie needed MORE musical numbers. I think it needed LONGER musical numbers. There were so many numbers where I started to vibe, and then it just STOPPED.

[@TheCatIndeed]

Brian and Ryan are well aware of the power of stan armies.

[@vickivolk7071]

Brian, are going to be able to see Conclave? That’s the one that I am so excited for

[@loluolusesan-falade1181]

Zoe Saldana has ballet training and showcased that in the movie 'Center Stage' from year 2000. I think she also did all her singing in the Nina Simone movie 'Nina' from 2016. She's awesome.

[@pepperminttree]

8:08 i agree, i dont think selena had great material to work with. i did like her song a lot though

[@elijah0208]

Is ryan also lgbt? Omg that would be so cool Im enjoying ur festival reviews guys, u look so good together

[@gabrielalbertino7049]

Please, release a review for I’m Still Here ❤️🇧🇷

[@PicklesRTasty]

Way too polarizing to actually win awards, but I'm happy to see it get some nominations

[@jennywhite5531]

Didn't Zoe Saldana play Nina Simone in a movie

[@user-friendly-b6q]

I love Buz Luhrmann.

[@lregwoc2]

I remember that Amore was from Austria and was in French & English

[@adilelnhaily6014]

Amour was a French-Austrian-German production (it was co-produced by three production companies). And the acting and cast was 100% French.

[@gabrielcastaneda9700]

I feel like if the Oscar’s want people to watch the 2025 broadcast their going to nominated Selena Gomez and Ariana grande in supporting actress

[@adilelnhaily6014]

Ariana is a co-lead with Cynthia Erivo, she is not a supporting. And I don't think she will be nominated at the Oscars. Maybe a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy.

[@gabrielcastaneda9700]

@@adilelnhaily6014 I could see the studio throwing grande into supporting

[@wattfadad688]

​@@gabrielcastaneda9700they did but she's absolutely not happening

[@deliciousfilmreviews3871]

I think France will select the count of Montecristo and Mexico will select Emilia Perez

[@adilelnhaily6014]

Emilia Perez is a French production, it's not a Mexican production. So it can't represent Mexico.

[@royledesma8423]

Love your content so so much, but please pronounce Perez the right way, it is a flat word: Perez, not perEz.

[@georgialerangis2123]

Pretty sure I am going to respond to this one the way you guys did. Seems a lot of films are going in weird directions this year. Not a fan of Hollywood's contemporary " musicals".

[@johnnolan5579]

You lost me at Baz Luhrmann.

[@wrh41]

Brian and all his cute guyz

[@lindawilkie1839]

WHY WOULD YOU PUT SELENA GOMEZ DOWN AND COMPARE HER. SHAMEFULLY THATS BULLYING HER.

[@GareBare90]

😊

[@steveasher5849]

Zoe Saldana played Mimi in the film version of Rent.

[@adilelnhaily6014]

No it was Rosario Dawson.

[@danlockington2600]

I actually went and watched the movie, and i liked it so much. It's fresh and new, and judging by your review, i can tell you didn't actually sit and watch the movie for what it was. You went in waiting to criticize it, and that's why you left just "liking it" To me, this movie deserves all the praise it gets. Bet you guys will like the gay musical movies more. Just saying😊

[@kieranczyzniejewski2178]

Zoe Saldana helps people get sex change and species change operations

[@rahullovesthepayne8690]

SELENA WILL GET YALL ARE JUST HATERS!

[@-Jimini-]

MANIFESTING THE SELENA NOD

[@autumnmccatty3595]

Exactly

[@andresbecerra1183]

6 minutes in and i still haven’t heard a review ☹️

[@allankh85]

Rooting for Zaldaña in supporting actress🎉🎉... I hope they don't nominate Gascón in actress, he deserves to be in the Actor race and might win in there.

[@adilelnhaily6014]

I am dreaming Zoe is nominated as a lead. I really feel she was co-lead with Gascon. Selena was a supporting.

[@edgarguerra2321]

Blah ! Bad review !!!

[@jbjob2218]

Ariana Grande best support actress from Wicked !!!!!!!!!!

[@Nishanth_mementomori]

That movie isn't even out yet what're you talking about 😂 there's no way she's even getting nominated for anything forget winning

[@Nishanth_mementomori]

There's Felicity Jones, Julianne Moore, Zoe Saldana

[@lemonsuckingandroid2971]

don't let them silence you

[@JKReAl]

Ryan’s getting cutter

[@radosawrusnak7700]

I love this movie so much

[@austin82971]

My question is that will Karla face boycott in the female voting body because of "her" sexual identity. I'm not being transphobic but she didn’t go through any surgery so I feel like many female voters will be unhappy or even furious about a biologically male actor being nominated in the actress category.

[@LifesBestFinds]

"I'm not being transphobic" followed by a transphobic speech

[@austin82971]

@@LifesBestFinds then come ur false accusation, this is not my opinion but something we have to consider when it comes to Oscar chances

[@adilelnhaily6014]

@@LifesBestFinds is it his comment that is transphobic or your opinion that is misogynistic ?

[@LifesBestFinds]

@@adilelnhaily6014 just the fact that he put her in quotes already shows his intention

[@adilelnhaily6014]

@@LifesBestFinds yet he uses HER and not HIS. So it means he recognizes her identity. But the question is can someone who identifies as a woman but who was born as a man take the spot of another woman. You can deem this question transphobic, but dismissing that question can be seen as mysogynistic as well. And the end of the day, someone gets hurt.