I was intrigued by the cast in this film. I admit I haven’t watched the original film but have liked Diego Luna in his other performances. Jennifer Lopez was also intriguing. After watching the film, I found the film complex, the themes of love and death enthralling and the actors gave emotional performances.

Kiss of the Spider Woman is a musical drama film written and directed by Bill Condon, based on the stage musical by Terrence McNally, John Kander, and Fred Ebb. In the film, Valentin (Diego Luna), a political prisoner, shares a cell with Luis Molina (Tonatiuh), a window dresser accused of public indecency. As Molina recounts the plot of his favorite Hollywood musical, starring silver screen diva Ingrid Luna (Jennifer Lopez), the pair form an unlikely bond. The story of the film pulls them away from the pain and terror of their everyday existence as Valentin is tortured for information and Molina is humiliated by the guards. 

For me, what makes this so interesting lies in the contrasts between the prison and the Hollywood musical. As Luis tells the story, the costumes and set are bright and brilliantly lit, unlike the cell that both men reside in. Even though Valentin doesn’t like musicals, the telling of the story takes him away from the dirt and pain of the cell. Luis also uses the story as an escape, to prevent his mind from dwelling on his fears, on his fear of death. Just as in the film, where love and desire grow between Aurora and Armando, so too does a connection grow between the two men as they share friendship, caring, and stories of their own lives. That connection between them is what makes the story so complex. 

The design of each piece is exceptional. The prison is believable as a place of pain and degradation for the political prisoners held by the Argentine government. In contrast is the Hollywood film that Luis describes, full of color, dance and music. That story is complex too, as the leads fall in love but death looms over them, not just in the real world of Valentin and Luis. In fact, the film delves into themes of love and death as it explores the cost of revolution but also gender stereotypes and homosexuality. While the tragic ending is not unexpected, what keeps it from being trite is the complexity of the story and the brilliant performances.

Diego Luna as Valentin is strong, serious but also charismatic, a man who believes in his cause but also believes others deserve respect and kindness. Despite the differences between him and Luis, he treats Luis with respect. The connection and dynamic between Luna and Tonatiuh is strong, especially friendship. Tonatiuh is equal parts warm, vulnerable and caring. The performances both give, as prisoners but also as the characters in the film, are believable and charged with emotion. Jennifer Lopez is perfect as Ingrid Luna aka Aurora aka Spider Woman. She plays her part brilliantly, her singing and dancing the highlight of the film sequences and her voice haunting as the Spider Woman. Without her, the film would lack a certain charismatic quality.

The film is long and some of the plot does wander. What holds it together is the performances, the rich connection between Valentin and Luis, the depth of emotion that both men bring to both aspects of the story and the incredible chemistry of Jennifer Lopez. I love the dignity and courage that Luis demonstrates toward the end of the film and the deep bond between Luis and Valentin. Even though it is dark and emotional, it works in contrast to the Hollywood musical scenes, demonstrating the themes of death and life beautifully.

If you like musicals set against a backdrop of revolution and emotional performances, I recommend this film. Diego Luna and Tonatiuh are powerful and the dynamic between them incredible. Jennifer Lopez is gorgeous as Ingrid Luna, and while the ending is heartbreaking and tragic, even though it is predictable, I still found the story haunting and beautiful. 

Rating: 4 out of 5 red scarves 

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