Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
The origin of Kiss of the Spider Woman traces back to 1976 with the novel of the same name by Manuel Puig. It was then adapted for the stage by Terrance McNally in 1993, where it became a multiple Tony Award winner. Then in 1985, it was adapted for the big screen, where it won Best Actor for Willian Hurt and became the first independently-produced film to be nominated for Best Picture. So, it’s fair to say that the history of this story is cherished. It’s a timeless story about how art can be used as necessary escapism in tumultuous times. For those unfamiliar with the plot, it’s as follows.
2025’s Kiss of the Spider Woman is set in Argentina in 1983, during the country’s military dictatorship. It follows ValentĂn (Diego Luna), a political prisoner, and his cellmate Molina (Tonatiuh), who’s convicted for public indecency. The two form an unlikely bond as Molina recounts a Hollywood musical plot starring Ingrid Luna (Jennifer Lopez).
Writer-Director Bill Condon (Dreamgirls) does a great job of creating the world the prisoners are living in. They’re given slop for food and are beaten without reason. Their world is devoid of colour. Condon makes sure the colour palette is shades of grey and dark blues. He contrasts this with the vibrant technicolored world of the Hollywood film, Molina recounts scene by scene.
We are brought into this world with dancing and singing. Lopez dazzles as the leading Hollywood starlet who plays both the assured Aurora and the venomous Spider Woman with flair. The dance sequences and lighting design are spellbinding. Lopez looks like she’s having the time of her life as a bona fide Hollywood starlet.
Even though this is a Movie Musical, it’s the story between the two prisoners that lingers after the credits—one of the shared experiences and understanding amongst political turmoil. Where Cinema can be used to alleviate the harsh realities of life, unsurprising, Luna is outstanding. But Kiss of the Spider Woman is really Tonatiuh’s movie. He’s given Molina a depth that hasn’t been reached before.
Overall, Kiss of the Spider Woman doesn’t bring anything new to the story for those who are familiar. However, it does give us a chance to revisit this timeless story. Additionally, it allows a new generation of movie-goers the opportunity to become acquainted with the celebrated material.
Mongrel Media release KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN in theatres Friday, October 17, 2025.
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