The movie Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard, offers a rather fascinating take on trans representation in cinema as it tells the tale of a drug lord in need of escaping the law, so he transitions nations.
However, criticisms have been made due to its controversial angle on trans representation. Such controversies beg the question, what are the ethics and moral principles of a filmmaker while representing marginalized communities?
In this blog, Holaquiz covers all the different angles starting from the plot to the recent controversy of the movie Emilia Pérez. So, keep your popcorn ready and dive right in!
Plot and Key Themes of Emilia Pérez
Credits: IMDb
After transitioning, Emilia, who was once a male drug lord, takes up a new name and moves abroad. Even though this premise sounds fascinating, the nitty-gritty of the matter is such narratives bring a laundry list of issues attached to it.
In a more broad sense, I guess it means reducing transitioning into being a woman to such an idea, which might sometimes feel like a tactic to sell a narrative, Quite simply, denying trans people’s struggle as real and making it spin for cisgender audiences to experience.
Cast and Filmmakers of Emilia Pérez
Emilia Pérez has a star-studded cast including Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña, Édgar Ramírez, Adriana Paz, Agathe Bokja and Anabel Lopez. The movie is directed by Jacques Audiard and is available in Spanish, English, and French languages.
Emilia Perez has been awarded the Jury Prize and the Best Actress Ensemble thanks to her poignant emotive performance in which she blends dance moves with singing to a delightful tune. The film premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in May and is one of France’s entries for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 2025 Oscars set to take place on March 2.
It is a loose-screen adaptation of the 2018 novel Écoute by Boris Razon and follows a complex story of regret and unrequited love throughout changing scenes.
As of now, the movie has obtained a critic score of 82% and an audience score of 79% as per Rotten Tomatoes. Thanks to several positive reviews from fans and film critics alike, it has garnered enough attention to be regarded as a front-runner for the Oscar Best Picture award alongside buzz surrounding Gascón and Saldaña landing an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress and Best Actress respectively.
Zoe Saldaña as Rita Moro Castro
Saldaña became a recognized figure in Hollywood after acting in some notable films of the early 2000s such as Crossroads in 2002, Drumline in the same year and Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. She moreover featured in J.J. Abrams’s 2009 Star Trek played Nighthiri in Avatar and entered the MCU as Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy. Recently, she was cast in Taylor Sheridan’s Lioness series where she acted alongside Nicole Kidman, Michael Kelly, and Morgan Freeman.
Karla Sofía Gascón as Emilia Pérez
Karla Sofía Gascón is an actress from Madrid, Spain. She kick-started her career in television in 1995 with Los ladrones van a la oficina, Canguros, Al salir de clase, and El súper. Her known works in films include Di queue sí was released in 2004 and We Are the Nobles in 2013.
In 2024, she won the first major award given to a transgender person by the Cannes Film Festival for acting in the film Emila Pérez. Besides, she has also appeared in notable TV shows like El Señor de los Cielos, Until the End of Time, and Harina.
Selena Gomez as Jessi
Selena Gomez’s debut single was released in 2008 when she gave us ‘Tell Me Something I Don’t Know’ followed by ‘Come & Get It Off’ and her first-ever album ‘Stars Dance’ back in 2013. After these, she worked on great masterpieces including The Heart Wants What It Wants, It Ain’t Me, Wolves, and Love You To Love Me.
As an actress she featured in Spring Breakers (2012), Hotel Transylvania (2012), Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (2016), and Dolitte (2020). Currently, she is a part of the Emmy Award-winning comedy series, Only Murders in the Building, where she shares the screen with Steve Martin and Martin Short.
What Are the Critics Saying About Movie Emilia Pérez
The movie has faced criticism based on the decision to incorporate films where adult cis-gender roles were espoused. Justice claimed that the use of talismans in a clear, sensitive story felt awkward and that the film was a big disappointment in telling a proper story of transgender people.
Mixed received the Emilia Pérez in Cannes. Some appreciated its aesthetic and its cast, yet a vast array of reviews denounced its depiction of the trans culture. GLAAD, among other organizations and trans people, criticized the film for its old clichés and a trans person was not involved in the making of the film.
Emilia Pérez Director Jacques Audiard firmly stands by his angle as he insists that there exists something much bigger, which this cinematographic piece seeks to address. To illustrate, trans activists and organizations like GLAAD believe that there is much more room for improvement in the retelling of such stories. This very concern points to the increasing call for trans creators to be the ones telling their stories –breaking the axis of power in that narrative.
Conclusion
The Emilia Pérez controversy has revealed when an honest representation is necessary. It is a lesson which states that whenever a narrative is constructed it contains the entire truth of the oppressed societies. Appropriate representation, working with other communities, and steering clear of stereotypes are the first steps forward.
The Emilia Pérez controversy has been, and continues to be, quite an important case in point about issues revolving around representation in media. The film, though it intended to reach out to difficult issues, its making raises questions about the approach and embracing barriers in storytelling.
There is a need for such changes to occur within the industry as it loses the emphasis on the misrepresentation of stories that only generate cases of abuse within the sector.
The internet is burning misogynistic podcast hosts yet again after an episode of The Reality Check Show featuring OnlyFans creator Rebecca Goodwin went viral for making her cry during the recording. The incident has drawn so much anger from people for the show’s hosts appearing to insult and mock Rebecca for their amusement.
What Happened?
A well-known American Creator and businesswoman Rebecca Goodwin was guessed to be a part of The Reality Check show which is a podcast hosted by three virtually unknown men having a history of controversial statements and aggressive interviewing style. This podcast, which has its monetization removed on YouTube, has built a following on the back of inviting female Onlyfans Creators to the show, sometimes under dubious conditions, and interrogating them in the worst possible manner.
Goodwin Heywood journeyed from her home in Reading for approximately 3.5 hours in order to record the show at Croydon’s studio. Later, she told me that the only outfit offered to her was, “something sexy,” and that she did not receive any payment for her time. The interview took a nasty turn when the presenters began talking over her, making mockery, and a slew of dismissive comments. When she finally stepped off the set in a miserable state, the presenters labelled her as “psychotic” for leaving so suddenly.
The Internet Reacts
Credits: beckymil1_, Instagram
There was a swift online public outrage when her clips of the podcast were posted on Twitter and TikTok but for a wholly different reason. Numerous netizens expressed their anger towards the hosts of the show mocking Goodwin for her appearance while other users highlighted the fact that it wasn’t the first time that The Reality Check Show had exploited female OnlyFans creators by purposefully editing videos to demonize them.
Helen and I had a productive session of filming examples for the sketch and, to my surprise, I was greeted by one of the most shocking and hateful comments of the interview when the host interfered and drilled Goodwin on her relations. They inquired if she had a boyfriend and if he was supportive of her choices. Would he be angry if she decided to quit? The audience showed their displeasure towards that part of the interview as misogynistic by suggesting that a woman’s career is as one-dimensional as being controlled by her partner’s approval.
“This is a question that is so tiresome and sexist at the same time,” commented a user on Twitter. “Why do men always presume that they have a say on how women use their bodies?”
“What Do You Contribute to Society?”
The hosts were stating that Goodwin does not contribute anything to society and that was shocking in itself. He was contested by a lot of people who pointed out the fact that he’s a tax paying philanthropist.
Goodwin said that she pays more than 200k pounds a year in taxes, has created an affordable housing scheme for low income earners and gives money to charitable organizations frequently.
“But these three men will never do it,” said one of the viewers. “That’s what happens when angry men realize that a wonderful woman is successful and rich on her own terms.”
Double Standards in Sex Work
Credits: beckymil1_, Instagram
Goodwin mentioned the incident has resurfaced the conversation of the portrayal of female sex workers in the media. She noted that one of the hosts of Reality Check is also an OnlyFans, but there is no sensationalism or scrutiny of his job.
As one social media user opined: “This is a classic case of double standards. When you do it, it’s a business, but when a woman does it, it’s undignified.”
Goodwin also took care of a strange moment during the interview when one of the female co-hosts went off on a tangent about women in the industry not bothering to shave. She criticized the scrutiny men place regarding women’s grooming, pointing out that the standards of beauty have been set by men for so long.
“Women’s bodies are not here for men’s approval,” Goodwin said. “A woman’s decision to shave or not is none of anyone’s business.”
Rebecca Goodwin’s Response
After this incident, Goodwin went on her social media accounts to tell her story and thank supporters who stood by her. She seemed to be angry about how she had been treated, but made it clear that the situation would not control her.
“I knew these were problematic individuals going in, but I genuinely thought I could reason with them,” she said. “I refuse to be disrespected, so I chose to walk away.”
The Bigger Picture
This controversy regarding The Reality Check Show exposes a larger problem; the persistent misogyny and abuse of women in the online media space. The business model of the show is predicated on the disgraceful treatment of female participants while monetizing their shame.
Credits: beckymil1_, Instagram
Goodwin’s decision to walk away, as many have noted, was a bold action. She could have opted to engage in an unsavory conversation, but instead, decided to physically remove herself from the place where she was unwanted.
One TikTok user noted, “She left and still has her dignity. They ‘podcast bros’ remain prancing around like little insecure boys.”
Conclusion
The outrage directed at The Reality Check Show is indicative of a much larger problem: viewers are fed up with seeing misogynistic content paraded around as “debate.” The internet has made their voice heard, and it’s apparent that the real concern is not about Rebecca Goodwin’s career, rather, the men whom she has every right to be upset with for judging her.
Concerning Goodwin, she has already transitioned to bigger and better opportunities, showcasing again that she is not an easy mark.
Rumors regarding the pregnancy of Bonnie Blue, a twenty-five year old content creator from Nottinghamshire, started to circulate after she posted an ambiguous statement on her social media. The social media post on “Tia Bellinger” aka Bonny Blue’s Instagram featured the quote “cravings” where she showed off an interesting food combination of dry noodles, pickles with chocolate sauce, and chicken nuggets.
This plate went viral within a short timeframe raising questions in everyone’s mind regarding if the famous OnlyFans model is going to be a mother.
Is Bonnie Blue Pregnant?
The post immediately started a discussion on the internet wondering if their speculation was true. Many users from the comment section said she hinted at being pregnant. Some third party laughed about the very known subject and Daddy mystery. A person made the remark about “impossible paternity test”. Another had asked, “She’s pregnant, but WHO TO, CHRIS KAMARA?”, who is famously known for being a sports commentator.
Bonnie Blue however remains quiet on the concern and had neither confirmed nor denied the speculation. Currently she seems to be ignoring the situation altogether and hoping not to draw attention from the public, which then would leave many guessing and questioning her.
Who is Bonnie Blue?
Credits: bonnie_blue_xox, Instagram
Bonnie Blue became notorious in the adult entertainment industry due to her controversial statements and actions. One of her headline-making actions was participating in a record-breaking challenge where she allegedly had sexual relations with 1,057 men in a span of 12 hours. This action single-handedly helped her gain fame as she shattered the previous record of 919 men, which was set by Lisa Sparks in 2004.
Beyond her work in the industry, Blue has been at the center of multiple controversies. Bonnie’s interviews with the media reveal her discussing relationships, fidelity, and personal happenings. She certainly adds spiciness to her statements.
Last year, Bonnie Blue claimed to have intimate relations with 157 university Freshers, which stirred outrage over the ethical implications. While on ‘The Kyle and Jackie O Show’, she had another controversial statement in which she said “all men should cheat on their wives.”
Social Media and Public Reactions
Along with her previous controversies, Blue’s latest rumored pregnancy has sparked conversations around her personal life. Given her previous actions and statements in the media, the reactions to her current rumors have been mixed. While some have openly expressed their curiosity, others remain cynical and overly critical.
Many social media users have wondered if the post was a true pregnancy clue or just an attempt at engagement. Others noted that strange cravings by themselves do not mean that someone might be pregnant.
Still, this is not the first time Blue’s private life has attracted public attention. She has talked about her relationships before, including her ex-husband Oliver Davidson. While the two were in a relationship for a few years, earlier this month, Blue shared how the couple had been separated for quite some time before officially splitting.
Earnings and Career
Credits: bonnie_blue_xox, Instagram
Bonnie Blue’s profile continues to attract mixed reactions, but they have not interfered with her highly successful career on OnlyFans, where her revenue is said to exceed £600,000 a month. This level of earnings has positioned her as one of the top creators on the platform, granting her the ability to live extravagantly.
Blue has also been clear that all the content she produces is fully consensual. It is claimed that to appear in her videos, participants must prove their identity and consent, though the ethics of the issue remain contentious.
What Happens Next?
Bonnie Blue hasn’t commented on the pregnancy rumors as of now. If she is pregnant or just eating strange snacks is uncertain at this moment. Given her track record of attention-seeking behavior, it would not be surprising if she chooses to address the speculation in her own unique way in the upcoming days.
Only time will tell if fans and critics will get a discernable answer from Bonnie Blue about the speculation regarding her most recent viral post.
Now, one would be astounded to know that a mother, previously criticized for her online career, managed to make an empire out of her life, earning six figures a month. After facing constant judgement due to her online career, she was compelled to move out of her hometown, but now not only has she found success, but security for her future, which is hard to come by.
From Judgment to Triumph
Marie Dee, aged 29 and a mother of two residing in Texas, attracts over $150,000 every month on the popular subscription-based platform, OnlyFans. Although she was received with hate and lefted her community, she has found tremendous success in this adult content industry.
Dee shared her journey on this UK ITV Show, Olivia Attwood: Getting Filthy Rich whose concept pertains the life of people who became financially free from the adult industry. Her story exemplifies strong and fierce determination while also serving as a reminder that harsh criticism does not define the future.
The Rise of a Social Media Sensation
Credits: mariedee.co, Instagram
As a new subscriber to OnlyFans, Dee has already surpassed the top 0.03% of earners within just two years of using the platform. Her niche? With over the top subgenre titles like “Marie Dee Office Crush,” which focuses on subtle, everyday tasks from an office setting, Dee’s content seems to truly have it all.
“It’s really just little moments of me in a cute work dress, doing things around the office that, for some reason, men love,” Dee explains. “One video that went viral the other day was me walking down the hallway in heels – they like the sound of the heels.”
Using a more calculated angle with a focus on growth, Dee records as many as 200 videos per day. This ensures that she has material ready for the over 70 social media accounts that she owns. Dee’s massive following of 4 million on TikTok and Instagram alone serves as a marketing funnel, redirecting users to her OnlyFans account.
Success Amidst Controversy
Dee has also had her fair share of controversy. As her business continued to flourish, the stigma surrounding adult content creators has served as a heavy burden, especially in her former town.
Dee shares, ‘I do feel like I can’t live in that town anymore because of the judgment and what I post online, ‘I feel safer living in another town, so I do.’
Despite the harsh comments, Dee remains firm in her stance that the content she is putting out makes sense with her belief systems. ‘I consider myself a wholesome porn star; I’d never sleep with another man, ’she said. ‘I basically just do content with my husband and maybe one or two of my girl friends.’
The fact that she is able to set personal boundaries in the face of building a multimillion-dollar empire speaks to her business and strategic mind.
The Business of Viral Content
Credits: mariedee.co, Instagram
Put simply, Dee knows how to use social media to increase her income from OnlyFans. She has figured out the number one rule of content creation, posting bait videos on TikTok and Instagram to draw potential subscribers to her page. Viral moments are capable of bringing in thousands of dollars, and Dee estimates that she could gain 1,000 new subscribers a day with these methods.
Dee’s work ethic is unparalleled. Active on multiple platforms means constantly churning out new material, which is no easy task. With four employees to help support her brand, Dee has been able to turn her phenomenal success on OnlyFans into a business.
Defying the Critics
Starting out as a simple career change for Dee, it has become a full blown empire. Two years into her journey, Dee says proudly, “I have a small dynasty of everything I’ve made these last two years.” The journey of being judged and kicked out of town to being financially independent is extraordinary, to say the least.
The most exciting part about using OnlyFans for Dee, is not only being able to achieve success, but also break social constructs and rules that define success. What sets Dee apart in the adult entertainment industry is her ability to integrate integrity and smart business in the industry filled with chaos.
A Lesson in Resilience
Dee’s journey is a step by step guide on how adversity can be transformed into an opportunity. Even with the relocation and judgement that she faced, Dee was able to grow and scale a business. Contrary to popular belief, success is served on a platter to those who are not afraid of what others think.
Her story goes on to prove that no matter what the odds are, with self-determination and a little bit of planning, one can turn even the harshest circumstances into triumphant stories.