Though we’re already halfway through 2021, we’re only a month away from the official North American release of “Ema,” one of our favorite films of 2020. Okay, that’s a bit of an understatement, as Pablo Larrain’s dance drama ended up on our lists of best films, best posters, best cinematography, and best soundtracks/scores. All that to say, we think everyone should go out and see “Ema” when it hits theaters in August.
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And in honor of “Ema” getting a formal release next month, we’re thrilled to give our readers an exclusive look at a red band trailer for the film. Without the limitations of a typical green band clip, the new trailer is able to show all the aspects of “Ema” in a way that lets the viewer know exactly what’s in store for them. This is a film that is erotic, harrowing, and beautiful, as it tells the story of a crumbling marriage through the eyes of a woman that deals with her pain in the only ways she knows how—dance, seducing inappropriate people, and blasting flame throwers all over town.
As mentioned, “Ema” comes from director Pablo Larrain, who is probably best known for his Oscar-nominated feature, “Jackie.” He’s also the filmmaker behind the upcoming “Spencer,” which is debuting at this year’s Venice Film Festival. “Ema” stars Mariana Di Girolamo and Gael García Bernal as the married couple at the center of the story.
READ MORE: The 25 Best Films Of 2020
“Ema” arrives in select theaters on August 13 before it hits Digital/VOD on September 14. You can watch the exclusive trailer below.
Here’s the synopsis:
Adoptive parents Ema (Mariana Di Girolamo) and Gastón (Gael García Bernal) are artistic free spirits in an experimental dance troupe whose lives are thrown into chaos when their son Polo is involved in a shockingly violent incident. As her marriage crumbles in the wake of their decision to abandon the child, Ema embarks on an odyssey of liberation and self-discovery as she dances and seduces her way into a daring new life. Centering on the sinuous, electrifying art of reggaeton dance, EMA is an incendiary portrait of a lady on fire, the story of an artistic temperament forced to contend with societal pressure and the urge to conform. From world-class director Pablo Larrain (Jackie, Neruda) comes another psychologically acute exhumation of Latin American life under restriction featuring an unforgettable heroine who is determined to move freely through the world, as she electrifies everyone and everything around her.
