Chelsea Alexandra
Kiss of the Spider Woman has lived many lives, long before its latest big-screen revival by director Bill Condon. The 2025 film is adapted from the Tony-winning Broadway musical, which itself was based on Manuel Puig’s groundbreaking 1976 novel. The story first made its cinematic debut in 1985 with the acclaimed film starring Raúl Juliá and William Hurt. The following year, Hurt would go on to win an Oscar for his portrayal of Molina, while Juliá’s powerful performance became a breakout propelling him into the mainstream.
Condon’s new adaptation is set in 1983 Argentina under military rule and centers on two cellmates who couldn’t be more different. Molina (Tonatiuh), a gay window dresser imprisoned for indecency, spends his days escaping into the technicolor world of old movies. His cellmate, Valentín (Diego Luna), is a hardened political prisoner focused on resistance and revolution. To cope with their grim reality, Molina retells scenes from his favorite films. He especially loves to retell the stories and escape into the world of his favorite silver screen starlet, Ingrid Luna, the Spider Woman (played by Jennifer Lopez).
With Kiss of the Spider Woman, Condon feels like a natural fit. There’s already a lot of excitement around the film’s bold visual style, emotionally charged performances that can be seen in the first trailer. Condon is a veteran at musical adaptations, some of his work including Dreamgirls, Chicago, and the live-action Beauty and the Beast. He has a particular knack for bringing stage material to the screen in a way that feels both cinematic and emotionally grounded.
With only knowing Kiss of the Spider Woman through the 1985 film, I feel confident that Luna could bring a similar blend of intensity and sensitivity that Juliá brought all those years ago. There is a quiet magnetism to Luna’s performances, they’re passionate and convey a world of feeling with just a single glance. Much like Juliá, Luna’s strong connection to his cultural roots would bring a real sense of authenticity and depth to the character, making Valentín feel not just like an archetype of resistance, but a fully realized man navigating hope and survival.
I’m curious to see what Lopez brings to the role of the Spider Woman, Ingrid Luna. While I wouldn’t call myself her biggest fan, I do believe she has the potential to deliver a standout performance. Her turn as Ramona in Hustlers was proof that she could deliver a show-stopping performance. Many expected her to be a shoo-in for a Best Supporting Actress nomination that year, but the Oscars came and went without her name on the list. It was a major disappointment, not just for fans of the film but for Lopez herself. Even now, I’m still unsure how I feel about that snub. What I do know is that her performance in Hustlers remains one of the few I genuinely admire from her.
As for Kiss of the Spider Woman, I’m cautiously optimistic. The role of Ingrid Luna isn’t just about acting, it requires some singing. And that’s where my hesitation creeps in. I’m not completely convinced Lopez’s voice has the strength to carry the film. Lopez has a decent singing voice and has been an active performer for many years. My question is, will it translate well in a musical setting? Based on what I’ve heard in the trailer, I’m still on the fence. She may not be a powerhouse vocalist, but she’s an incredible dancer and has a stunning screen presence. There is still much to be excited for here.
No matter how strong the performances are or how it’s received by the public, one thing is certain: Kiss of the Spider Woman is, at its heart, a deeply political story. It explores the cost of resistance and the power of escapism. It is a story that reminds us that art, though used to escape most of the darkness of reality can be a form of protest in itself. It gives hope even in the darkest conditions. Given the state of the world in 2025, where basic rights—especially for queer and marginalized communities—feel increasingly under threat, it’s hard not to feel weighed down by cynicism. However, there is hope in the form of art and storytelling. It feels like a new adaptation of Kiss of the Spider Woman, with all of its dazzling moments of escapism, feels like the form of escapism and reminder that we all could use right now.
Directed and written by Bill Condon and starring Diego Luna, Tonatiuh, and Jennifer Lopez, Kiss of the Spider Woman will be in theaters on October 10, 2025
