The musical "Emilia Pérez," directed by Jacques Audiard, tells the story of a Mexican cartel leader who fakes their death and is reborn as a heroine in pursuit of those who have gone missing. While it has garnered international praise and major accolades like the jury prize at Cannes and four Golden Globes, including best non-English language film, the film has received a mixed reception in Mexico, where audiences are questioning its authenticity and sensitivity towards topical issues.

As clips of Selena Gomez, who stars in the film, circulated online, many in Mexico were unaware of its existence until then. This led to mixed reactions, with some, like Mexican actor Eugenio Derbez, critiquing Gomez's performance, leading to an apology after backlash ensued. The film drew ire for being set in Mexico yet largely produced by non-Mexican talent, with heavy stereotypes and unnatural dialogue noted by viewers online, prompting jokes about its screenplay potentially being written with tools like Google Translate.

Karla Sofía Gascón, a Spanish transgender actress who plays the lead role, spoke out against the criticism, claiming it stemmed from a few individuals with personal agendas that detracted from support for Mexican cinema. In contrast, criticisms regarding the film’s representation of trans identities highlight concerns that it perpetuates outdated notions, leading LGBTQ+ advocacy groups like Glaad to express disappointment in its depiction.

Moreover, the film has been scrutinized for trivializing the severe issues of violence and disappearances in Mexico, where the nation faces significant challenges with organized crime and human rights violations. Activists voiced that celebrating a film like "Emilia Pérez," which confronts such real atrocities through a comical lens, is distasteful, especially given the ongoing crisis related to trans women and widespread violence in the country.

Despite the ongoing debate over its merit, "Emilia Pérez" is currently a strong contender for the upcoming Oscars, selected as France’s entry for best international feature film. In light of its success, Audiard has also mentioned a potential prequel, exciting some fans while leaving critics skeptical about the film's impact and intent.