What Does Mexico Really Think of 'Emilia Pérez?'

During a press conference in Mexico, director Audiard assured that he approached the subject with prudence and reflection, but recognized the criticism.

"If it seems to you that I do it too lightly, I apologize," he said.

Prominent filmmakers like Guillermo del Toro, Issa López, James Cameron, Denis Villeneuve and Meryl Streep have come to the movie's defense.

Héctor Ayala, a 58-year-old retiree, said he ran to theaters when he heard about the film's Oscar nominations.

"It's good that they're focusing on (the violence), that way governments and society will do more to stop problems like disappearances and organized crime," he said.

Guillermo Mota said the animated online debate over the film drew him to the theater.

"It's an international movie made to understand Mexico a little," said the 49-year-old financial adviser. "So the community that's unfamiliar with this Mexican problem and that doesn't go to see Mexican documentaries – because they're never going to see them – at least has an experience that helps them see a little more."

Láurel Miranda, a transgender human rights advocate said she had received a casting call for the film looking for "a middle-aged transgender actress with a robust build, because of course we trans women always have to be hardy," she said sarcastically.

In addition infusing the movie with "soap opera stereotypes" of what transgender women should look like, Miranda questioned the original script that had Manitas only wanting to become a woman to evade justice. Gascón pushed to change the motivation to a woman looking to make her transition.

For years, Mexico has been the second most deadly place in the world for transgender women, a reality not reflected in the film.

"Emilia Pérez is portrayed as an all-powerful character, even at the end as a saint, when in Mexico the reality for trans people is diametrically opposed, we should think about who this representation serves," she said.