Jennifer Lopez & Diego Luna's New Musical Is a Must-See Even for Those Who Hate the Genre

One of the most anticipated musicals of the year, Bill Condon's Kiss of the Spider Woman, was finally released on October 10th.

This adaptation of the celebrated Broadway musical, based on Manuel Puig's cult novel of the same name, promises a unique blend of genres.

With its compelling material and stellar cast, Kiss of the Spider Woman seemed destined for success. But did it live up to expectations?

What Is 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' About?

The story unfolds in a Brazilian prison during the military dictatorship. Molina, a window dresser convicted of indecent behavior, finds himself in the same cell as Valentin, a political prisoner.

There's a gulf between them. Molina lives in a world of Hollywood dreams, while Valentin is a stern revolutionary. In an attempt to win over his cellmate, Molina begins recounting the plot of his favorite musical, Kiss of the Spider Woman.

In this fictional story, his favorite actress Ingrid plays Aurora, a successful editor who can't find love. The reason is revealed when she returns to her home village: the local women are protected from evil spirits by a spider woman who demands sacrifices of their lovers.

Is 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' Worth Watching?

The greatest achievement of Kiss of the Spider Woman is its impeccable balance. The musical escapist section, in which Jennifer Lopez shines, is not just filler, but a perfect reflection and exploration of the movie's core prison narrative.

The complex choreography and sumptuous costumes contrast with the somber camerawork, emphasizing the power of imagination as a survival mechanism.

Jennifer Lopez showcases her talent in an unfamiliar way to mainstream audiences, while Tonatiuh and Diego Luna perform a poignant duet – their chemistry and emotional depth will captivate you until the very end.

This new version of Kiss of the Spider Woman is not just a revival of a half-forgotten franchise but a worthy and impressive reimagining of the timeless story of love, sacrifice, and the redemptive power of art.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Kiss of the Spider Woman'?

• Kiss of the Spider Woman has 78% from critics and 68% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 6.1/10.

• On Letterboxd, Kiss of the Spider Woman is scored 3.4/5.0.

Where to Watch 'Kiss of the Spider Woman'?

Kiss of the Spider Woman is currently in theaters.