Award-winning singer and actress Selena Gomez takes on a challenging new role in Amelia Perez, Netflix’s latest Spanish-language musical crime drama. The film, which has already garnered critical acclaim, follows the intense story of a lawyer (played by MCU star Zoë Saldaña) who is kidnapped and forced to aid a Mexican cartel leader, portrayed by Carla Sofia Gascón, who is undergoing gender-affirming surgery. In a pivotal role, Gomez stars as Jesse, the cartel leader’s wife, whose life is turned upside down by the unexpected developments.
For Gomez, known for her impressive music career and her current hit show Only Murders in the Building, Amelia Perez presented a unique challenge. As a Grammy-nominated artist with years of stage experience, Gomez had to step out of her comfort zone to adapt her style to this deeply emotional and physically expressive role. “I had never really performed a musical, let alone danced in a movie like this,” Gomez shared in an exclusive interview with Digital Spy. “I was a little nervous. I don’t think that I was channeling any of who I was or am on stage. I don’t even really feel like I know that person anymore.”
To embody Jesse, Gomez said she had to abandon her usual approach to singing and dancing, which felt like an entirely new experience. “I really had to abandon all of my old habits as a performer and delve into Jesse’s desperation and frustration, letting it come out as physical movement,” she explained. This approach was a stark contrast to her usual stage persona and allowed her to discover a new depth in her acting abilities.
Both Gomez and her co-star Zoë Saldaña expressed excitement about taking on such a distinctive project. Known for her roles in blockbuster franchises like the MCU and Avatar, Saldaña saw Amelia Perez as a chance to return to her roots in dance and musical theater. “I was ready for something to just take me away, and this is exactly what it did,” she shared. “It’s not that I’m not happy and grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had in my career; it’s just that this film is so aligned with the kind of content I consume when I’m not making them.”
Amelia Perez has already gained recognition in the film industry. The ensemble cast, which includes acclaimed Mexican actor Adriana Paz, earned a Best Actress prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Directed by French filmmaker Jacques Ard, the film is a frontrunner in this awards season, capturing audiences with its intense plot, remarkable performances, and engaging musical elements.
Amelia Perez premieres on Netflix on November 19, and with its compelling storyline and transformative performances, it promises to be one of the season’s standout films. For Selena Gomez, Amelia Perez is a testament to her versatility as an artist and her commitment to exploring new depths in her craft. As she continues to evolve, fans eagerly anticipate this new chapter in her career, hoping to see a side of Gomez they’ve never seen before.
