AceShowbiz - Selena Gomez's latest role in the musical thriller "Emilia Perez" has become a hot topic among Netflix viewers, with opinions ranging from harsh criticism to lavish praise. Although her act of looking directly into the camera while arguing on the phone has been labeled a "crucial mistake" by some, others believe it was an intentional move for deeper character development. One viewer wrote, "Oops! Selena Gomez commits acting sin by looking directly at the camera in Emilia Perez!" while another speculated, "Guess she broke the fourth wall a bit."

The Spanish-language film, directed by Jacques Audiard, delves into themes of transformation and identity. It tells the story of Juan "Manitas" Del Monte, a cartel leader seeking gender-affirming surgery to become the woman, Emilia Perez (played by Karla Sofia Gascon). The film follows this journey interspersed with various musical elements that tie the narrative together.

Despite the criticism, there were also those who saw artistic merit in the film's choices. Some argue that the direct eye contact with the camera added to the character's depth and was an intentional editing choice. "Directing choice or mistake? Selena might be breaking the fourth wall on purpose for her character's depth," commented a fan. The overall divide in opinions has rendered "Emilia Perez" "the most divisive film of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival."

Viewers have expressed a variety of opinions regarding the plot and musical numbers. Many found the songs out of place, calling them "laughably bad" and likening them to a bad "Saturday Night Live" skit. Others, however, praised the film's cinematography, sound design, and performances, particularly highlighting Zoe Saldana's role as one deserving Oscar consideration.

Zoe Saldana and Selena Gomez's roles were initially written for younger actresses, but the casting proved transformative for the film. The dynamic roles and the film's setting were filled with vibrant performances and controversial edits, challenging traditional movie norms.

The film's foundation in an operatic framework added another layer of complexity. Emilia Perez underwent multiple identity changes during its 2-hour runtime. Despite a challenging narrative, Jacques Audiard managed to intertwine a gripping plot with striking visuals, leading to its controversial reception.

Gomez has noted the impact of the film on her career and personal growth, "I have spent a lot of my life trying to break the mold and the perception of who I am. [The film] has allowed me to go places I never thought I could go to." Reflecting the broader themes, the film isn't just about a physical transformation but about broader changes, making it a challenging yet enlightening watch.