US Edition'Kiss of the Spider Woman' Resembles Musicals From a Bygone Era
The film explores the complex bond between a political prisoner and a trans window dresser during Argentina's Dirty War, highlighting LGBTQ+ identity and political oppression.
- On Oct. 10, Kiss of the Spider Woman opens in U.S. theaters via Lionsgate, playing exclusively on the big screen for now.
- Based on the 1976 Manuel Puig novel and the Tony-winning stage show, the film reimagines earlier versions and premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.
- Bill Condon presents the story as two films in one, mixing prison realism with Technicolor fantasy, following Valentín, a political prisoner, and Molina, a trans/queer window dresser in 1983 Argentina's Dirty War.
- Lopez's star power is likely to get audiences into theaters this weekend, as her singing and dancing roles attract viewers while Roadside Attractions expects Hulu to stream it within six months.
- The project extends Puig's legacy across literature, stage and screen, keeping the story relevant amid rising illiberalism as Tom Kirdahy emphasizes queer and Latino representation.
60 Articles
60 Articles
Pioneer Press
Sun Newspapers‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ review: Film adaptation sings with beauty
“I hate musicals. Nobody sings in real life.” “Maybe they should.” These words are spoken by the main characters of the latest rendition of “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” in which two men in a brutal Argentine prison distract themselves from horrors by bonding over memories of a vintage movie musical. The source material has had a remarkable journey over nearly five decades: from novel (by Manuel Puig, published in 1976) to stage play to movie to s…
How Vincente Minnelli’s MGM Musicals Inspired ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’s’ Production Design
Director Bill Condon’s vision for adapting “Kiss of the Spider Woman” for the big screen was to draw inspiration from the old MGM musicals. Specifically, Vincente Minnelli’s productions from the golden age of Hollywood. Manuel Puig’s 1976 novel “Kiss of the Spider Woman” was first turned into a movie by director Héctor Babenco in 1985. […]
‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ Review: Jennifer Lopez Dances Her Heart Out, but This Musical Can't Find a Tune
A largely lackluster musical with a compelling cast who get underserved at nearly every turn, Bill Condon’s “Kiss of the Spider Woman” is an experience defined by missed opportunities. It boasts acclaimed performers in Jennifer Lopez and Diego Luna, plus a joyous relative newcomer to movies in Tonatiuh, but the film never comes close to meeting them on their level. Even as it raises many pressing ideas with urgent relevance to our present moment…
The GLAAD Wrap: ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ ‘After the Hunt’ and ‘Fairyland’ in theaters, trailers for ‘I Love LA’ ‘All’s Fair,’ and more!
Every week, The GLAAD Wrap brings you LGBTQ-related entertainment news highlights, fresh stuff to watch out for, and fun diversions to help you kick off the weekend. 1) The film adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical Kiss of the Spider Woman opens in theaters today. The film follows Valentin (Diego Luna), a political prisoner who [...] The post The GLAAD Wrap: ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ ‘After the Hunt’ and ‘Fairyland’ in theaters, trailer…
Hastings Tribune
'Kiss of the Spider Woman' review: J. Lo sizzles in musical adaptation
There are two worlds in director Bill Condon's adaptation of "Kiss of the Spider Woman," one bright and technicolor, the other dark and dingy. It's the full color universe that sings while the other drags everything around it down.
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