The Kiss of the Spider Woman trailer teases a fantastical tale blending musical magic and wonder with an austere and deadly reality. It’s based on a stage musical by Terrence McNally. McNally based that musical on a novel written by Manuel Puig. The trailer captures the sensation of losing the plot as both worlds push and pull, blending. Along with the music and direction, the ethereal quality of the trailer feels uplifting and haunting.
Written and directed by Bill Condon (Chicago, Dreamgirls), the movie follows an unlikely friendship between two imprisoned men, political prisoner Valentín, played by Diego Luna (If Beale Street Could Talk, DC League of Super-Pets), and Molina, played by Tonatiuh (Carry-On). As they share a cell, Molina regales Valentín with a musical tale that stars Ingrid Luna, played by Jennifer Lopez (Hustlers, Atlas). Thanks to Condon’s keen eye for mixing and matching, it’s easy to see the Chicago-like splendor in the Kiss of the Spider Woman trailer. But it feels even brighter with the Hollywood glitz and glam.
Plus, it feels like the trailer gives a bit too much away. There is a scene where Valentín asks Molina if he’s an informer. That’s something best left out. Still, the colors and vibrancy tease an escape. The dreary concrete cells shift to bright white short suits, sunny yellow dresses, and pitch-black gowns. Also, given its political prisoner, it connects with the challenging and dangerous times many people currently face. Where films often serve as an escape from the harsh realities of the world, the Kiss of the Spider Woman trailer makes it an escape within an escape. Something many of us sorely needed that hopefully the film delivers.
What do you think of the Kiss of the Spider Woman trailer?
Kiss of the Spider Woman releases in theaters on October 10.
