If you’re ever unsure about what film to choose, look no further than “Emilia Pérez.”

This film packs a lot into its two-hour runtime, offering a blend of noir crime thriller, thought-provoking redemption narrative, in-depth character exploration, comedic melodrama, and even an all-out musical extravaganza.

Moreover, Netflix’s remarkable Spanish-language Oscar contender features an exceptionally talented female cast, whose performances keep French director Jacques Audiard’s film grounded, even as it ramps up in extravagance with lively song-and-dance segments.

Karla Sofía Gascón, a trans actress, delivers a stellar performance as a drug lord yearning for a new life as a woman in “Emilia Pérez” (★★★½ out of four; rated R; premieres Wednesday). She isn’t alone in her pursuit of happiness or true love—Selena Gomez portrays a mother spiraling back into old habits, while Zoe Saldaña gives a remarkable debut as an ambitious lawyer caught in a web of drama.

Rita (Saldaña) is a defense attorney in Mexico, working for a boss who doesn’t appreciate her efforts while still making him look good in court. However, her skills attract the attention of Manitas (Gascón), a notorious cartel leader looking to live as a woman. He enlists Rita’s help to connect him with the right surgeon for gender affirmation surgery. After relocating Manitas’ wife Jessi (Gomez) and their children to Switzerland, Rita participates in faking his death so that he can undergo surgery and emerge as Emilia.

Four years later, while in London, Rita encounters Emilia, who expresses longing for her children and urges Rita to assist in bringing them back to Mexico, falsely claiming to be Manitas’ “distant cousin.” Rita returns home to help Emilia create a nonprofit aiming to locate the bodies of drug cartel victims for their families. As Emilia seeks redemption for her past, she grows increasingly frustrated with Jessi for neglecting their children and rekindling her relationship with past love Gustavo (Edgar Ramirez).

Plus, the musical aspects of this film weave seamlessly into the storyline, featuring original songs that often serve character development. While they may not follow traditional showtune structures, you’ll find yourself humming one of the catchy melodies by the end.

Saldaña stands out with several memorable performances, including one in a hospital and another at an event where she sings about their organization’s shady funding. Gomez also delivers with dance-floor and emotionally charged songs, while Gascón shines in heartfelt moments, particularly in a ballad expressing her feelings for Epifania (Adriana Paz), a woman relieved by her husband’s demise.

Gascón impressively portrays both Manitas and Emilia, using makeup to transform into the sinister drug lord, all while radiating as the vibrant Emilia. She skillfully shows how both characters are interrelated: Manitas carries some vulnerability, but elements of Emilia’s fierce past surface as past misdeeds lead to a dramatic climax.

The exceptional performances, coupled with an eclectic musical score, infuse “Emilia Pérez” with familiar tropes, resulting in a uniquely original piece that’s anything but dull.