Movie: Kiss of the Spider Woman (2025)
Production Companies: Artists Equity, Mohari Media, Josephson Entertainment, Tom Kirdahy Productions, Nuyorican Productions
Distributed by: Lionsgate Films, Roadside Attractions, LD Entertainment
Producer(s): Barry Josephson, Tom Kirdahy, Greg Yolen
Directed by: Bill Condon
Written by: Bill Condon (screenplay), Manuel Puig (novel), Terrence McNally, John Kander, Fred Ebb (musical)
Starring: Tonatiuh Elizarraraz, Diego Luna, Jennifer Lopez
Review by: Stefano Todaro

The beauty of film not only exists within the material, but it also lives within the societal context in which it was released. As much as we want to appreciate film for what it is and to use it as a way to block out the world around us, it’s sometimes impossible to do that, especially when the subject matter relates to the reality we’re living in. Bill Condon’s adaptation of Kiss of the Spider Woman takes place in Argentina in 1983, the final year of a horrific military dictatorship. It’s no accident that this was created and released at a time of unprecedented hatred in the United States. It doesn’t take a political affiliation to see some parallels between 1983 Argentina and 2025 America.

Kiss of the Spider Woman centers around Valentín Arregui, played by Diego Luna, and Luis Molina, played by Tonatiuh Elizarraraz (better known as just Tonatiuh), sharing a cell in an Argentine prison. Luis is serving a jail sentence for an alleged public indecency incident, while Valentín is serving time for his part in a revolutionary group. Their two personalities clash, and it’s clear that Luis and Valentín won’t get along. Luis is flamboyant and loves to talk, and Valentín spends his time studying, reading, and keeping to his internal thoughts. Luis tries his best to connect to his cellmate and convinces Valentín to let him tell the story of his favorite film, The Kiss of the Spider Woman.

The direct source material is the 1992 musical of the same name. That musical is based on Manuel Puig’s 1976 novel Kiss of the Spider Woman. Both the musical and Condon’s adaptation are structured in the same way; it is a film within a film (or musical within a musical). It’s a simple story of love, discovery, and oppression. While the military is working in the background, trying to get information on Valentín and his revolutionaries, Luis and Valentín are learning more about themselves and each other while trapped in their cell. That’s really all there is to it, and there is beauty in the simplicity of the story.

Kiss of the Spider Woman is a musical film, and all of the musical numbers take place in the “film within a film” portions. This is where Jennifer Lopez comes in. She plays Ingrid Luna, Luis’ favorite actress, and also the star of The Kiss of the Spider Woman (the film that is being retold). I don’t watch enough musicals to feel like I can give a reputable opinion of the songs in this film; however, when it comes to songs in a musical, I know what I like and don’t like. The songs in Kiss of the Spider Woman didn’t particularly impress me. Some were catchy and smooth, but because many were similar to one another, nothing stood out to me.

What did impress me about the musical numbers, though, was the technicolor brilliance of the sets and costumes. Used as an ode to classic filmmaking, the immersion and beauty of the vibrant set pieces elevated this film and were much-needed moments of joy in an otherwise defeating film. Jennifer Lopez plays to her strengths in her limited screen time and gives a compelling performance. Both Luna and Tonatiuh also have roles in this “film within a film” and shine in a big way here. To be fair, they both shine throughout the entire film. Luna has a track record of exceptional performances, but Tonatiuh is a newcomer, especially when it comes to leading a film. As expected in a musical adaptation, the performances are showy and exaggerated at points, especially Tonatiuh’s. Although some of Tonatiuh’s moments feel over the top and unnatural, they feel authentic to a proper musical performance.

Kiss of the Spider Woman succeeds for many reasons. The storytelling structure is engaging, the two lead performances are emotional, and the societal context is compelling. Learning about Valentín and Luis is both heartbreaking and joyous, creating a swirl of emotions that gives this film a lasting impact. The film’s rushed final act is undoubtedly frustrating, especially considering that this isn’t a short movie. I wish those final moments had more time to breathe. And as mentioned before, the musical numbers won’t wow you, and because so much of the run time revolves around music, it makes for a somewhat uneven experience. Kiss of the Spider Woman has an opportunity to be great, but being good is good enough for me.

7.1/10

By: Stefano Todaro