The Wasteland Reviewer

Kiss of the Spider Woman (2025) Written Review

Are we prepared for a musical reimagining of a classic tale of rebellion? Kiss of the Spider Woman was a film that certainly garnered plenty of attention back in 1985. The Best Picture nominated film features quite the memorable duo of Raul Julia and William Hurt (an extremely believable Argentinian for sure). But this time around, audiences are invited to quite a different experience with big musical numbers set up against the backdrop of this rebellious film. A story of a freedom fighter and a “sexual vagrant” stuck in the same cell in prison. Their connection is explored through their time together as Molina (the “vagrant”) recounts the tale of one of his favorite films. Bill Condon (renowned movie musical director) takes the reins of this new adaptation of Manuel Puig’s novel. 

How does Condon bring this compelling story to the silver screen? One of the biggest struggles of the film is the inconsistency in so many elements of the film. This film really feels like two films. You have a tale of love developing between two unexpected individuals with greatly different worldviews. The other is a colorful love letter to Old Hollywood with musical numbers, great dancing, and a simple enough story to keep up with. The tone of the film is a bit scattered for sure as the film navigates serious issues related to rebellious and fascism then shifts quickly into campy and vibrant fantastical experiences. There is also an uneven distribution of the pacing for the film. The musical elements are vibrant and full of energy. The dynamic between our two prisoners can be quite compelling but some of them can certainly drag. You can tell Condon was much more comfortable in those musical interludes than the more dramatic, character driven ones. Those moments feel a bit too artificial with the production design. The final stretch of the film feels quite indicative of this as there is a sequence that wraps up the rebel aspects that feels like it drags on but is soon replaced by a show stopping musical finale that gives the film the needed punctuation at the end. 

Does the screenplay from Condon fare better than the inconsistency of the film’s tone? The dialogue in the film can feel a little blunted when confronting the serious themes of the film. The progress of the dynamic between Valetin and Molina is, on the other hand, the most compelling element of the film. Their banter is fantastic especially with the dialogue that is provided to the character of Molina. The movie within a movie is quite enjoyable but not the most groundbreaking classic style romance. There are certainly impactful elements of these parallel stories that come together with some significant themes. The musical elements have some engaging, if not dynamic, lyrics as well as some fun, if not exceptional, stagings for the dancing and music. There are a few standouts musical numbers, especially the finale, and bring the experience together. There are certainly elements of Condon’s film that still hit uncomfortably close to home in today’s rising fascist landscape. 

What element of the film stands out the most? The dynamic duo at the heart of the film is incredible. The biggest star of the film is Tonatiuh. There is something so authentic and raw in Tonatiuh’s performance. There is no performative expression of queer identity here. Tonatiuh brings a big, bold, and beautiful character to life with such zeal and emotion. Diego Luna, on the other hand, is raw and intense in his portrayal of this serious and angry revolutionary. The chemistry between these two performers is off the charts. From conflicting tension to sexual tension, there is a spark that radiates between them. They sell physicality as well two when they do their singing and dancing as well. Jennifer Lopez is one of the biggest selling points of the film with her impressive vocals and dance moves on display. From a character standpoint, she is saddled with quite a one-dimensional character, but she rises above with her strengths on display. 

Is Kiss of the Spider Woman a worthwhile remake with a musical flair? The musical numbers might not stand up too many of the classic ones it is borrowing from, but they are still fun and engaging. There are even a few of them that rise above the rest, including the one that gives this film an incredible ending. The production design and costuming in the movie within a movie is incredible for sure. Tonatiuh deserves to make a great push this awards season for their incredible performance. Luna shines as well and Lopez leans into her strengths to make a nice addition to the film as well. This is not a perfect film as it does have clunky and imperfect elements throughout, but it has a strong message that is accentuated through Condon inspired musical filmmaking.