Kiss of the Spider Woman
Broadway and Jennifer Lopez Fans Rejoice!
Like Hairspray, Little Shop of Horrors, and more recently Mean Girls, Kiss of the Spider Woman follows the familiar trajectory of movie (itself inspired by a play) → musical adaptation → movie adaptation of that musical. The 1993 Broadway musical was highly acclaimed, winning multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Score. Despite its pedigree, it hasn’t had a major revival in years, making this adaptation a welcome reminder of its strengths.
The film wisely leans into the musical’s strengths, using Molina’s stories as an outlet to escape the grim prison setting. These sequences are visually stunning, reminiscent of Spielberg’s West Side Story, with long, fluid shots and vibrant colors. The contrast between fantasy and reality is sharper here than in the 1985 film, where the blurring of lines was more subtle.
Director Bill Condon, a seasoned musical filmmaker, makes bold choices that keep the runtime tight and the pacing strong. Unlike recent adaptations that struggle to translate stage productions to film, Condon trims material to fit the medium, ensuring the story flows. While some fans may be disappointed by the removal of “The Day After That” (which could have been Diego Luna’s defining moment), the decision to keep most of the music within Molina’s imagination strengthens the realism of the prison scenes.
The orchestration is lush, with Broadway arranger Sam Davis delivering grand arrangements and choral crescendos that give the score a powerful presence. Even the instrumental score nods to the musical themes, rewarding attentive listeners. (Stay through the end credits for a stunning 7-minute orchestral arrangement of the show’s best melodies.)
As for performances, Diego Luna is the film’s emotional core, making Valentín’s arc resonate even without his solo number. Jennifer Lopez, in a role largely confined to Molina’s fantasies, is a dazzling presence. Though she lacks Chita Rivera’s technique, she more than makes up for it with charisma and energy, proving she was born for the big-screen musical.
The standout, however, is newcomer Tonatiuh as Molina. He bridges the film’s fantasy and reality with a deeply expressive performance. His portrayal is slightly less complex than in previous adaptations—here, he is more explicitly depicted as trans, a detail hinted at in the past but never as direct. While his dynamic with Valentín feels a bit more one-sided, their evolving relationship remains compelling.
Kiss of the Spider Woman is yet another example of how to properly adapt a Broadway musical, balancing spectacle with story. With strong performances, striking visuals, and masterful direction, it’s a film that breathes new life into a lesser-known musical gem.