Emilia Pérez

Rita Mora Castro, a talented but often overlooked lawyer in Mexico, accepts the defense of a high-profile murder case. The case involves the wife of a prominent media mogul, and Rita has to navigate the legal system while suppressing her own moral doubts about the case.

Rita successfully defends her client, arguing that the death was a suicide. Her courtroom victory brings her notoriety in the legal world but leaves her feeling unfulfilled and dissatisfied with her career.

Following her courtroom success, Rita receives an anonymous phone call offering a lucrative opportunity. Despite her reservations, she decides to meet with the mysterious client, hoping it will lead to new professional avenues.

Rita's client is revealed to be Juan 'Manitas' Del Monte, a powerful cartel kingpin. Manitas shares her struggles with gender dysphoria and asks Rita for help in transitioning to live as a woman, revealing a deeply personal and vulnerable side.

Rita agrees to assist Manitas in her transition, despite feeling trepidation about the circumstances. They begin searching for specialized surgeons who can perform the necessary procedures to help Manitas live authentically.

Rita and Manitas travel to Bangkok to meet with a surgeon capable of performing the gender confirmation surgery. This journey marks a significant step in Manitas's quest for self-acceptance and authenticity, filled with hope and fear.

Their search leads them to Tel Aviv, where they finally encounter a doctor willing to take on Manitas’s case. Inspired by Manitas's heartfelt childhood stories, the surgeon agrees to help, further solidifying the bond between Rita and her client.

Post-surgery, Juan 'Manitas' Del Monte assumes her new identity as Emilia Pérez. To protect her family from the cartel’s dangers, Emilia’s wife and children are relocated to Switzerland, marking a fresh start in a new life.

Four years later, in London, Rita unexpectedly encounters Emilia again. Emilia expresses her longing to reconnect with her children, stirring emotions in Rita and prompting her to help Emilia mend her family bonds.

Rita organizes for Jessi and the children to return to Mexico City under the guise that Emilia is a distant cousin of Manitas. This complex plan is fueled by Jessi’s rekindled romance, adding layers to the family dynamics.

As the family adjusts to their new life, Emilia has a profoundly moving encounter with a mother searching for her missing child. This experience deepens Emilia’s remorse over her violent past and ignites her desire to make amends.

Determined to create positive change, Emilia leverages her cartel connections to start a nonprofit aimed at identifying victims of cartel violence. Her efforts showcase her commitment to redemption and healing despite Rita's warnings.

As the nonprofit grows, Emilia forms a deep emotional bond with Epifanía, a woman seeking closure regarding her husband's remains. This new relationship complicates Emilia's existing ties, bringing both tenderness and tumult.

As tensions rise, Emilia's reference to the children as 'mine' during a confrontation with Jessi leads to a chaotic fallout. Jessi panics and flees with the children, reigniting a violent feud that threatens their safety.

Desperate and agitated, Jessi and Gustavo kidnap Emilia, leading to a tense standoff with Rita's security team. The situation escalates into a tragic shootout, culminating in a disastrous car crash that claims all three lives.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Rita bears the heartbreaking news to Jessi's children, offering to step in as their guardian. Emilia's legacy lives on as Epifanía and supporters of the nonprofit honor her memory with a march for truth and justice.