Selena Gomez is known for her multifaceted career in music, acting, and producing. But in her latest film, “Emilia Pérez,” she takes on her most daring role yet.
Directed by Jacques Audiard, the film pushes her to new heights as an actress.
"I read the script and I felt like it was a very wild and audacious script," said Gomez. "Jessi, my character, I just resonated with her. She's everything I'm not, but I love how fierce she loves and how deep she does.
The actress added: "I feel so lucky that Jacques believed in me and saw something in me, and hopefully, this is just the beginning."
Gomez's performance as Jessi was also a new challenge for her, as the film is entirely in Spanish.
"I was very vulnerable, and it was wonderful though at the same time, and I felt very proud," she said.
“Emilia Pérez” is a genre-bending film that explores themes like love, redemption, and identity. It also marks a turning point in Gomez's career.
Selina Gomez is Jessi del Monte in "Emilia Pérez." (Courtesy: Netflix "Emilia Pérez")
"As an actor, I haven't even had the chance to do all the things I want to do," Gomez said on how personal growth and challenges shaped the kind of projects she is drawn to.
"I'm excited because I feel like there's still so much more I can do. And if anything, this is a testament to the kind of work I'm interested in. I hope to continue to make more moving, compelling stories."
Edgar Ramirez, who co-stars in the film, shared his thoughts on what makes this project so unique.
“The movie touches upon so many different themes," he said. "The narco world to transness issues – all of that together in a movie that the final result was a very moving, very touching story."
He added: "It’s a very risky film also in the fact that so many genres are being explored and mixed together.”
“Emilia Pérez” is now streaming on Netflix.