"Emilia Pérez," a film focused on a transgender Mexican cartel leader reconciling with her past, stands out with a record 13 nominations for the upcoming Academy Awards, the highest ever for a non-English language film. The film has already been recognized with accolades, including Best Comedy or Musical at the Golden Globes. However, its reception in Mexico has been far less favorable.
Critics in Mexico have lambasted the movie for its portrayal of cartel violence, arguing that it downplays the severe reality faced by those affected by it. The cultural discourse became even more contentious when comments by the French writer-director, Jacques Audiard, about the Spanish language and remarks made by lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón regarding Islam and George Floyd fueled public outrage.
After its theatrical release in Mexico on January 23, which came five months after its premiere in France and two months after its U.S. debut, audiences have largely stayed away, leading to nearly empty theaters. Some disgruntled viewers have even sought refunds. In stark contrast, a Mexican parody short film mocking the French influences of "Emilia Pérez" gained traction online, while the original film has become a source of memes and jokes across social media. Families of violence victims have also voiced their disapproval, describing the film as a significant disappointment.
Francisco Peredo Castro, a film expert at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, captured the sentiment by expressing that "it has become a real disaster," illustrating the widening gap between the film’s international acclaim and its domestic criticism.
