Should you watch or skip Emilia Pérez? Here's the consensus

In fall 2024, Netflix has released a number of new original movies. From Christmas rom-coms to chilling thrillers, the streamer has kept our watch lists stocked for plenty of movie nights. On Nov. 13, one of the buzziest movies of the year finally arrived on Netflix for streaming ahead of the competitive award season rush. But is Emilia Pérez worth watching?

The movie comes from writer-director Jacques Audiard and probably isn't quite what most moviegoers will be expecting. First of all, Emilia Pérez is a Spanish-language musical that falls under the comedy genre though there are also crime and drama elements, too. Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Selena Gomez headline the film with their already award-winning performances.

Here's how Netflix describes the movie in its official synopsis:

"From renegade auteur Jacques Audiard comes Emilia Pérez, an audacious fever dream that defies genres and expectations. Through liberating song and dance and bold visuals, this odyssey follows the journey of four remarkable women in Mexico, each pursuing their own happiness. The fearsome cartel leader Emilia (Karla Sofía Gascón) enlists Rita (Zoe Saldaña), an unappreciated lawyer stuck in a dead-end job, to help fake her death so that Emilia can finally live authentically as her true self."

Emilia Pérez certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes

One of the first places people go before deciding whether to watch a movie is review aggregate Rotten Tomatoes. Emilia Pérez has been certified fresh on the website and holds an 82% rating from critics, as well as a 79% audience score. These numbers denote mostly positive reception from both critics and viewers alike and are very closely in line, which is a rarity.

Ahead of its streaming release on Netflix in November, Emilia Pérez has been considered a lock for a Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards, with some outlets even pegging the film as a potential winner for the ceremony's top prize. Gascón has also been predicted to score a Best Actress nomination, with both Saldaña and Gomez in consideration for Best Supporting Actress.

Following the film's release, out of context clips from the movie began going viral on social media and drew a considerable amount of conversation. Some online users have praised the movie for its tone and messaging while others have criticized the film based on the clips without having actually watched the movie in full. It's pretty unfair to judge a movie by scenes removed from context.

Watch or skip Emilia Pérez on Netflix

The movie won't strike a chord with every viewer, and that's okay. At face value, musicals aren't for everyone, and Emilia Pérez is a through and through musical. Beyond the musical of it all, some the story and tone might not connect with those who aren't looking to dig a little deeper and interact with the art they consume. Again, that's okay! There are plenty more options on Netflix.

However, if you're willing to open yourself up to Emilia Pérez, there's something special to behold in its storytelling and especially its performances from its starring trio of Cannes Film Festival Best Actress winners. It's a challenging musical that asks a little bit more from the viewer than your average Netflix movie, but that's part of what makes the film an exciting and captivating watch.

Selena Gomez fans likely weren't anticipating this kind of film from the singer-actress, but it's worth watching to see the Grammy and Emmy Award-nominated talent deliver her career-best performance and court her potential first Academy Award nomination. Overall, if you're a fan of any of the stars, the director, or movies in general, you simply can't miss this one.

Watch Emilia Pérez only on Netflix.