by Rosa Parra
After its lukewarm premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, “The Kiss of the Spider Woman” is set for a theatrical release on October 10, 2025. Directed by Bill Condon, the film is adapted from the 1976 novel. It tells the story of a political prisoner, Valentin (played by Diego Luna), who shares a cell with Molina (played by Tonatiuh). The bond between the two men deepens as Molina recounts a Hollywood musical story, with Jennifer Lopez portraying Ingrid Luna/Spider Woman.
My initial reaction to the film after the screening is available over at The Latino Slant. I felt lukewarm about it, and watching the 1985 film right before this one may not have been the best idea. I realized that this might have led me to unconsciously compare performances, which I acknowledge I may have done. I remember criticizing Luna’s casting and performance, possibly due to subconscious comparisons with Raul Julia‘s iconic role, which is arguably unfair. Now that I’ve had the opportunity to rewatch the film, here are my updated thoughts.
Overall, I still feel lukewarm about the film as a whole. I believe the movie would have benefited from a better flow. The jumps back and forth from the depressive prison tone to the vibrant musical numbers created too stark a contrast, making it difficult for the narrative to feel coherent. It felt choppy and abrupt at times. However, the performances remained strong, and I can see Lopez and Tonatiuh receiving awards consideration. Regarding Diego Luna, I don’t feel much differently about him. I still believe he was miscast, as his performance felt too mellow for a political prisoner. As I mentioned, Tonatiuh is the highlight of this movie. He effortlessly portrays a gay man while also depicting a serious leading man in the retelling of the Spider Woman story. Additionally, he sings and dances beautifully—a true triple threat! Lopez does well in her role but doesn’t bring anything new to the character.
The musical numbers are visually stunning, paying homage to classic Hollywood musicals with bright, vibrant sets, 60s and 70s costume designs, and fabulous songs. In contrast, the prison sequences are shot in desaturated tones with minimal lighting, reflecting the harsh reality of the setting. While both Luna and Tonatiuh perform in the vibrant musicals, only Tonatiuh stands out due to his versatility, making it clear why he would excel in telling his version of the story. The dynamic between Luna and Tonatiuh works well.
During this second viewing, what stood out to me most was the importance of storytelling and how movies can impact our lives. More importantly, the presence of a specially talented and versatile performer sharing that story is crucial. Molina’s ability to hold Valentin’s attention and curiosity is key, and that’s all thanks to Tonatiuh’s versatile performance. Stories help us navigate tough times and allow us to dream. The power of storytelling is infinite.
Overall, “Kiss of the Spider Woman” is a tribute to old Hollywood musicals, anchored by an award-worthy performance from Tonatiuh. It serves as a reminder that we can always look for the bright side during the darkest times. Although the film stumbles in some of its transitions, the performances are strong enough to overlook those flaws. It is a film worth watching for Tonatiuh’s performance alone.
Rating: 7/10.