In 1983, two prisoners meet at an Argentinean detention facility. What transpires is both beautiful and tragic, with the two often bleeding together. The plot of “Kiss of the Spider Woman” is not necessarily a happy one, but that does not diminish its impact.

Adapted from Manuel Puig’s novel, it was originally developed into a non-musical 1985 film starring William Hurt. In 1993, it was adapted into a Broadway musical. Both versions were groundbreaking, setting the bar high for any future attempts at another adaptation.

About “Kiss Of The Spider Woman”

Kiss of the Spider Woman exists as an escapism, both for the viewer and for Molina (Tonatiuh), a sex offender who is assigned to the same cell as Valentín (Diego Luna), an activist. It reminds us of the importance of art in difficult times, as well as how powerful the human connection can be. Things are not quite as they seem, though, when it is revealed that Molina was strategically placed in Valentín’s room in order to try to extract his secrets.

Molina is more interested in film and his favorite actress, Ingrid Luna. Than attempting to wheedle secrets out of his cellmate. The epitome of a free spirit, Molina stands his ground even when the guards antagonize him. As his relationship with Valentín grows and changes, he is able to give some of that over to Valentín.

Where it would be about healing one another, which can oftentimes become trope-y, their story is about finding the strength in each other. Valentín’s story, especially, shows the biggest change as he goes from closed-off to open around Molina. They create something that is intimate but natural..

Though Beautiful, It Is Still Not Without Its Flaws

However, Kiss of the Spider Woman could have done with a little more rehearsal time. While the choreography and the singing is beautiful, there are a few moments throughout that would have benefited with more polishing. It does not take away from the experience of the film as a whole, which is a positive.

Jennifer Lopez is electric as Ingrid Luna, Aurora, and the titular Spider Woman, though her delivery does feel stilted at times. She commands the screen the way she commands the stage, and her numbers are enjoyable. Despite that, it is Tonatiuh who steals the show. His numbers are the ones that linger after they’ve finished. He gives the character a raw vulnerability that stands out. Especially against the cold gray concrete backdrop of their prison.

Kiss of the Spider Woman traverses the thin line that exists in putting music into a political event, and it does it well. It does not end on a high note, but that does not mean that what it gives us is any less powerful. In it, love remains a driving force, more powerful than opposition. Molina reminds us of that.