Kiss of the Spider Woman Review
Bill Condon's musical rendition of the classic Héctor Babenco film
There are so many musical films from the late 1900s that have been remade within only 26 years of the 21st century. It is quite funny when you think about it. Some of these, of course, did not need to be created. Or, if we can be completely honest with each other, none of them needed to be made. It is the principle that when a film is there for the world to see, why would we need an updated version of the same thing? Yet, in some ways, it brings attention to a new generation. Not only does it have them watch the new film, but if they are intrigued enough, they might go back and watch the original. This is exactly how I feel after watching the 2025 remake of Kiss of the Spider Woman.
Somehow, Bill Condon’s version, albeit too long, is compelling and interesting to say the least. Without having seen the 1985 film of the same title directed by Héctor Babenco, this updated version has made me want to seek out the original. Perhaps it could backfire, given that one had watched the remake first. However, I do know that this is the same path I took when watching both versions of West Side Story, and I enjoyed them both.
It is 1983, and political prisoners are not in short supply in Latin America. Valentin (Diego Luna) is one of the many. With the arrival of Molina (Tonatiuh), a gay window dresser convicted of public indecency with men, the pair’s lives will be forever changed. As the two form an unlikely bond, Molina recounts the plot of his favourite Hollywood musical, Kiss of the Spider Woman. Starring his favourite screen diva, Ingrid Luna (Jennifer Lopez), Molina’s storytelling might follow their reality more than they could have expected.
There are two enjoyable elements in Kiss of the Spider Woman: It begins with the blatantly obvious queerness. With the context of the film and the original story, along with the decade and time it takes place in, the film reminds its audience that these stories and people have always been around. As Molina graces the screen, Tonatiuh’s portrayal is warm and tender. Being imprisoned simply for his sexuality, the way in which we get to know Molina is truly where the heart of the film lies. It is the longing and perseverance which we see throughout the entirety of the film that keeps us watching.
Where director Bill Condon gains momentum in his remake is through the choices made when connecting the moments between Molina and Valentin with the movie of the Spider Woman within. It is quite magical being able to witness Molina’s recounts of his favourite film visually, while Valentin must imagine it as he only obtains the information orally. Getting to see it as Molina describes each moment, even if he spins it his way, gives us another insight into his character. The visuals change from the dark and dampness of a prison cell to the beautiful technicolour world of the Hollywood movie. No wonder why Molina chooses movies as his method of escape.
I never would have thought I would find Kiss of the Spider Woman so encapsulating. Somehow, going into the film without any prior knowledge of what I would see allowed me to enjoy it more. The struggles these men faced through their time in this Latin American prison truly break the heart as a viewer. And even though you feel the sorrow and the pain, through the crafting of the script and the dialogue, the relationship that builds between the two is even more powerful. “What a relief…to truly care about someone again”
And here is where we all know and recognise the path that has been laid out before them. It is, of course, the 1980s, and what story do we know where LGBTQ+ have a happy ending? Especially in this time period, none. But somehow, the film makes you hopeful as the viewer. The film itself does not cause this, but it is in the two actors’ chemistry where hope can be found.
As enjoyable as Molina and Valentin’s ever-growing relationship is, there is a snag that holds the film back. The musical sequences, although expected, are overbearing at times. Though yes, they are needed when Molina takes us through his favourite Hollywood film, they are not always required at other times. Of course, Lopez is the Hollywood star Molina fantasises about. She performs indeed, but it is the amount of performing and singing that drags. I wish it could have focused less on the Hollywood of it all and more on the two men in their cell. While they both needed the escape from their reality, I needed to see more of their ever-budding relationship. Quite sadly, the film’s runtime is 20 minutes too long. By the end, you want to be able to feel all that you should; you cannot help but painfully want it to end sooner.
Kiss of the Spider Woman is indeed flashy, bright and wondrous. However, it is also dark, sorrowful and distressing. Luna and Tonatiuh hold the film together through their portrayals of their characters. They allow them to take control of their lives and current situations and provide hope. You could wait and watch the film at home, but why not listen to the grandeur on the big screen?
★★★
In cinemas April 17th / Starring Jennifer Lopez, Diego Luna, Tonatiuh, Josefina Scaglione, Lynn Farin, Aline Mayagoitia, Tony Dovolani, Graciela Daniele, Bruno Bichir / Dir. Bill Condon / Sony Pictures / 15
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