“Kiss of the Spider Woman” (2025)

Bill Condon‘s 2025 “Kiss of the Spider Woman” is the third adaptation of Manuel Puig‘s 1976 book of the same name.  The first was the 1985 movie directed by Hector Babenco, which scored William Hurt a Best Actor Oscar for his performance as Luis Molina.  Eight years later, it was adapted into a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical by John Kander & Fred Ebb.  This version is a cinematic interpretation of that musical.

The story takes place over a month in 1983 at an Argentinian prison.  A political prisoner, Valentín Arregui (Diego Luna), is thrown into a cell with Luis Molina (Tonatiuh). Luis is a gay man who has been arrested for public indecency.  It seems that these two men could not be more different.  Valentín sees the world as a collection of cold, hard facts.  Luis prefers to escape their cruel reality by fantasizing about Ingrid Luna (Jennifer Lopez), the star of their favorite film, “Kiss of the Spider Woman.”  As the days turn into weeks, the two men begin to bond, mostly through Luis’ vivid retelling of the film.  Luis, who has never taken life seriously enough, begins to understand the importance of the rebellion Valentín is involved with.  Valentín begins to soften his cynical outlook and finds empathy in his heart for Luis’ life.

The transitions from the monotone prison cell to the Technicolor 50s-style musical fantasy scenes can be jarring at times.  While the prison scenes are where the character development originates, the fantasies carry all the joy in the movie.  Both Diego Luna and Tonatiuh are excellent in their performances, especially considering the range these roles demand.  Surprisingly, Jennifer Lopez is the one who steals the show.  She is absolutely electric in every appearance.  The bold costume design used in these sequences is breathtaking. Expect to see multiple nominations in that category for this film during awards season.

Like all musicals, some of the songs are exceptional, while others don’t reach the same level.  It should be noted that not all of the songs from the Broadway production have been included in this version.  Most of the musical scenes that took place within the cell have been excluded.  Instead, three new songs were created for this movie during the fantasy sequences.

“Kiss of the Spider Woman” isn’t as moving as Bill Condon‘s other Broadway adaptations, but it’s still an enjoyable, compelling experience. One that is welcomed in the current social climate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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