Emilia Perez parents guide: This one is not for kids, but perhaps safe for mature teens

Emilia Perez has gotten some amazing buzz at Cannes and while this musical crime thriller/drama is jam-packed with lessons for mature teens, it's not for younger eyes and ears! 

Here are some reasons why you won't want to watch this film with young kids and preteens: The film opens with a disturbing murder crime scene, alluding to drug cartel violence. One of the main characters, Rita, is a sharp lawyer assigned to defend the man accused of the murder. Due to the corruption of the legal system in Mexico, and her status as a female lawyer, Rita must argue against her better judgment-- that the murder is instead a suicide. 

The topic of suicide, which all parents must approach with caution, is also explored elsewhere in the film. The main character, Emilia Perez (Manitas), is a former cartel leader who struggles with thoughts of suicide as she faces a gender identity crisis. Her hidden desire to “live freely” leads her to make life-changing decisions.

She leaves behind her identity as Juan ‘Manitas’ Del Monte, leader of the most powerful cartel in Mexico, in addition to leaving behind a wife and two sons who believe her to be deceased. She believes that changing her body will change society and her role in it. While things don’t go completely as planned, Emilia comes to a place of acceptance in her new identity, ending a lifetime of crime in the process. 

What lessons can your teen learn from Emilia Perez?

While elements of suicide, gender identity, cartel violence, some foul language, and some sexual gestures and innuendos make this movie a poor choice for families with young kids, it could be a win if you have mature teens. The musical side of this film also brings some extra entertainment if your family has a knack for the fine arts. Even if not, you will find yourself with lots of important topics to discuss with your teen. 

Identity struggle? Check. Redemption? Check. Minority representation and gender equality? Check, check. Rita, played by Zoe Saldana, is an inspirational character in the film as she overcomes the odds of 'making it' as a female lawyer and wearing her ethical heart on her sleeve. Emilia Perez, played by Karla Gascon, gets a second chance at life after transitioning and uses that time to make a journey to redemption. She dedicates her life to non-profit work, helping to locate the bodies of hundreds of children and individuals who went missing at the hands of cartel members. 

Then there is Jessi, the drug lord's wife, played by Selena Gomez. Your teen may be a Selena Gomez fan if they grew up watching Wizards of Waverly Place, listening to the pop star’s music, or if they enjoy using her Rare Beauty® products. Get ready for a true switch of character, as Gomez skillfully plays a much more mature role in Jessi. Much like Emilia Perez, Jessi struggles internally between love and desire, forgiveness, and perseverance as she attempts to live her own life of happiness.

Mature teens can certainly benefit from having discussions around the importance of the decisions we make in life, and how those decisions have a ripple effect on ourselves and other people. While Emilia Perez achieved the life that she wanted in some ways, in other ways she still could not escape her former self. She struggled with anger, regret from allowing her children to grieve their father’s false death, and the consequences of how those events impacted her ex-wife. Her predisposition to crime also caused her to make some other impulsive decisions that led to more chaos. 

On the plus side, Emilia was able to find a way to bring justice to families who were impacted by cartel violence, while also allowing incarcerated cartel members the opportunity to redeem themselves and help with the cause of locating the bodies they burned and buried. The truth is that they all needed something to live for. Parents, you will want to watch this film first and digest these topics before inviting your teen to join you, but you will probably find that it is worth your while.