For years, Selena Gomez has worked hard to break away from her Disney Channel image, and her latest project, Emilia Perez, could be her biggest leap forward yet. The film, a Spanish-language French musical directed by the acclaimed Jacques Audiard, has already garnered Oscar buzz ahead of its Netflix release on November 13. But the journey to being taken seriously in Hollywood has been a long and difficult one for Gomez, despite her growing list of critically acclaimed roles.
Gomez is best known to many for her role as the charming and mischievous Alex Russo on Wizards of Waverly Place. Yet, as she revealed in a recent interview, this association with Disney has made it difficult for people to view her as a serious actress. “I know it's probably hard for people to take me seriously,” Gomez admitted, “but I get why.”
Her upcoming role in Emilia Perez could change all that. The film tells the story of a Mexican drug lord, portrayed by Karla Sofia Gascon, who fakes her own death with the help of a powerful lawyer (Zoe Saldana) to undergo gender reassignment surgery. Gomez plays the drug lord's wife, Jessi Del Monte, a character who has allowed her to stretch her acting muscles in ways she hasn't before.
“I loved speaking in Spanish, and it felt like I could connect to the character in a totally deeper, meaningful way,” Gomez said about the role, referencing her Mexican heritage and the personal connection she felt to the language and culture of the film.
The production itself is unusual, with Saldana describing it as a “niche of a niche of a niche movie.” It's not just a Spanish-language musical but also incorporates elements of opera and follows the stories of four Hispanic women. Despite its specificity, Emilia Perez has received an overwhelmingly positive reception at international film festivals. The film's unique mix of genres and its strong cast have already won over critics, and it's no surprise the film is being tipped for awards consideration.
Director Jacques Audiard, known for films like A Prophet and Dheepan, is someone Gomez was thrilled to work with. “Jacques saw something in me, and I then saw something in myself,” Gomez shared, reflecting on how Audiard's belief in her talent helped push her into a new creative space.
As a fan of film, it's exciting to watch Selena Gomez grow as an actress, moving from light-hearted comedy to more dramatic, nuanced roles. There's a certain thrill in seeing an artist evolve, particularly one who has had to overcome the significant hurdles of early fame.
But will Emilia Perez finally be the film that earns her the industry respect she's long been seeking? With a combination of powerful performances, a gripping and timely story, and Audiard's masterful direction, it certainly seems possible.
What do you think—could Emilia Perez be the film that transforms Selena Gomez's career in Hollywood? Let us know in the comments!
