Emilia Perez Release Date, Cast, Storyline, Trailer Release, And Everything You Need to Know
“Emilia Perez” is set to be one of the most intriguing and unconventional films of 2024. Directed by acclaimed French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, this musical crime comedy promises a unique blend of genres and storytelling that has already captured the attention of critics and audiences alike.
The film made waves at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it received a nine-minute standing ovation and took home multiple awards, including the prestigious Jury Prize.
At its core, “Emilia Perez” tells a story of transformation, identity, and the unexpected connections that can form between people from vastly different worlds.
With a star-studded cast led by Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Selena Gomez, the film explores themes of gender, family, and the complexities of the criminal underworld, all set to an original musical score. As anticipation builds for its wider release, “Emilia Perez” is poised to become one of the most talked-about films of the year.
Emilia Perez Release Date:
The release schedule for “Emilia Perez” has been a topic of much discussion among film enthusiasts. Following its world premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2024, the film is set for a theatrical release in France on August 21, 2024. This French release date marks the first opportunity for general audiences to experience Audiard’s latest work.
However, the international release strategy for “Emilia Perez” is still taking shape. While a specific U.S. theatrical or streaming release date has not yet been announced, there are promising developments on the horizon. Shortly after its Cannes premiere, Netflix entered into negotiations to acquire the distribution rights for North America and the United Kingdom.
Reports suggest that the streaming giant beat out multiple studios in a competitive bidding war, with the final deal closing at around $8 million. This acquisition by Netflix indicates that audiences in these regions may have the opportunity to watch “Emilia Perez” on the popular streaming platform, though the exact timing remains to be confirmed.
Emilia Perez Storyline:
The plot of “Emilia Perez” revolves around a series of unexpected events and transformations. At the center of the story is Rita Moro Castro, played by Zoe Saldaña, a disgruntled lawyer working for a large law firm. Rita finds herself thrust into an extraordinary situation when she is tasked with assisting an escaped Mexican cartel leader in a life-changing endeavor.
This cartel leader, Juan “Small Hands” Del Monte, seeks Rita’s help not only to evade the authorities but also to undergo gender reassignment surgery. This transformation is both a means of escape and a profound personal journey for the character. Following the surgery, Juan emerges as Emilia Perez, portrayed by Karla Sofía Gascón, marking a dramatic shift in identity and appearance.
As the story unfolds, Emilia Perez reaches out to Rita once again, this time with a different request. Now living as her true self, Emilia seeks Rita’s assistance in reuniting with her wife, played by Selena Gomez, and their children in Mexico. This quest for family reconciliation adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, intertwining themes of identity, love, and the lasting bonds of family with the high-stakes world of cartel crime.
Emilia Perez List of Cast Members:
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, bringing together a mix of established stars and talented performers:
- Zoe Saldaña as Rita Moro Castro
- Karla Sofía Gascón as Emilia Pérez / Juan “Small Hands” Del Monte
- Selena Gomez as Jessi Del Monte
- Adriana Paz as Epifania
- Édgar Ramírez as Gustavo
- Mark Ivanir as Dr. Wasserman
- James Gerard
- Shiraz Tzarfati
- Agathe Bokja
- Lucas Varoclier as Young Diego
- Marie-Elisabeth Robert
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- Eric Geynes
- Anabel Lopez
- Eduardo Aladro
- Line Phé
- Cyrus Khodaveisi
- Yohan Levy
- Daniel Velasco-Acosta as Bodyguard
- Jonas Paz-Benavides
This diverse cast brings a wealth of experience and talent to their roles, promising nuanced performances that will bring the unique characters of “Emilia Perez” to life on screen.
Emilia Perez Creators Team:
The creative force behind “Emilia Perez” is led by the visionary French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, who both wrote and directed the film. Audiard, known for his critically acclaimed works such as “A Prophet” and “Rust and Bone,” brings his distinctive style and storytelling prowess to this ambitious project.
Interestingly, “Emilia Perez” marks the first time Audiard has written a film entirely on his own, though he did receive creative collaboration from his frequent co-writer Thomas Bidegain.
The film’s production team includes several key players who have contributed to its unique vision. Pascal Caucheteux, through his company Why Not Productions, serves as a producer alongside Audiard himself and Valérie Schermann through their company Page 114. The project is a co-production involving France 2 Cinéma and Mexico’s Pimienta Films, reflecting its international scope.
A notable addition to the production team came in February 2024 when Anthony Vaccarello’s Saint Laurent Productions, a division of the fashion house Yves Saint Laurent, joined as a co-producer.
Vaccarello’s involvement extends beyond production, as he also created the costumes for the film, adding a touch of high fashion to the visual aesthetic of “Emilia Perez.”
The musical elements of the film, which are integral to its unique genre-blending approach, were crafted by a talented team. Clément Ducol composed the original score, while French singer Camille wrote all of the original songs, working with a Mexican translator to ensure authenticity. The choreography for the musical sequences was handled by Damien Jalet, promising visually striking dance numbers that complement the narrative.
Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, and Selena Gomez make their way to #TIFF24 with EMILIA PÉREZ. 🚨
Jacques Audiard’s award–winning film, also starring Edgar Ramírez, Adriana Paz, and Mark Ivanir, will have its Canadian Premiere at the Festival.https://t.co/4agAW43qER… pic.twitter.com/9RqpH5J1Pp
— TIFF (@TIFF_NET) July 22, 2024
Where to Watch Emilia Perez?
As of now, the primary confirmed viewing option for “Emilia Perez” is its theatrical release in France, scheduled for August 21, 2024. Pathé will be handling the distribution in French cinemas, giving audiences there the first opportunity to experience the film on the big screen.
For international audiences, particularly those in North America and the United Kingdom, the situation is still developing. Netflix’s acquisition of the distribution rights for these regions suggests that the film will likely be available on the streaming platform at some point.
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However, the exact release strategy – whether it will include a theatrical run before streaming, or go directly to Netflix – has not been announced.
Given the film’s success at Cannes and the star power of its cast, there’s a possibility that “Emilia Perez” could see a limited theatrical release in other countries before becoming available for streaming. Fans eager to watch the film should keep an eye on announcements from Netflix and local distributors for updates on release plans in their region.
Emilia Perez Trailer Release Date:
A trailer for “Emilia Perez” was released in June 2024, shortly after its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. This trailer offers viewers a tantalizing glimpse into the world of the film, showcasing its unique blend of crime drama and musical elements.
The trailer begins with a dramatic scene of Rita being kidnapped by Manitas’ team, immediately setting the tone for the high-stakes narrative. As it progresses, we see Rita and Manitas cross paths again, with a pivotal moment where Emilia declares, “Manitas is dead. I am Emilia Perez.” This line encapsulates the central transformation at the heart of the story.
Interspersed throughout the trailer are snippets of the musical numbers featured in the film, giving audiences a taste of the original songs and choreography that will play a significant role in the storytelling.
The trailer effectively conveys the film’s unique tone, blending elements of crime thriller, comedy, and musical in a way that promises a truly original cinematic experience.
Emilia Perez Final Words:
“Emilia Perez” stands out as a bold and innovative addition to the cinematic landscape of 2024. With its unique premise, blending elements of crime drama, comedy, and musical, the film promises to offer audiences something truly original.
The stellar cast, led by Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Selena Gomez, brings star power and acting prowess to a story that tackles complex themes of identity, transformation, and family.
The film’s success at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Jury Prize and its female ensemble took home the Best Actress award, speaks to its artistic merit and potential impact.
As “Emilia Perez” prepares for its wider release, it carries with it the promise of being not just a compelling story, but a cinematic experience that challenges conventions and pushes boundaries. Whether viewed in theaters or streamed at home, this musical crime comedy is poised to be one of the most talked-about and memorable films of the year.