'Kiss of the Spider Woman' Brings a Bold New Take on a Queer Classic

In its latest cinematic revival, 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' returns with a powerful twist that modernizes and deepens the original story's queer heart. This 2025 adaption, which is based on Manuel Puig's 1976 novel and follows in the footsteps of the 1985 Oscar-winning movie and the 1993 Broadway musical, goes one step farther by fearlessly emphasizing themes of identity, fantasy, and emancipation. 

The film, directed by Oscar winner Bill Condon, has Jennifer Lopez in a triple role and introduces Tonatiuh as Molina, a figure who is now shown with greater emotional complexity and gender fluidity. Premiering at Sundance to critical acclaim and opening in theaters on 10th October, this version spins a haunting tale of love and resistance into something both timely and timeless. 

Image Courtesy: Punch Drunk Critics

Jennifer Lopez Shines in Triple Role Amid Musical Fantasy

Jennifer Lopez, who plays the stunning characters of Spider Woman, Aurora, and Ingrid Luna—all representations of Molina's inner world—brings both glitz and tenderness to the screen. Each character has a distinct voice and style, which Lopez conveys through original musical numbers that are meant to capture Molina's aspirations and dreams. 

In sharp contrast to the somber reality of the prison where the story takes place, the fantasy scenes are colorful and luxuriant. Lopez has referred to the project as "a career-defining dream," and highlighted the strong connection she has with its themes of queer expression, identity, and freedom. The dream world provides a vivid, freeing escape from oppression, and the performance, music, and images all combine to create an immersive experience.

Image Courtesy: Gold Derby

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A Queer Love Story, Reclaimed and Reimagined

One of the most powerful elements of the 2025 adaptation is its open embrace of queer love and gender fluidity. With the character existing beyond traditional gender categories, Tonatiuh's portrayal of Molina offers a profoundly unique understanding of identity. This change gives the romance between Molina and Diego Luna's character, the revolutionary Valentín, a sense of urgency, modernity, and emotional rawness. 

Unlike earlier versions that relied on suggestion, this film unapologetically leans into the romantic and physical intimacy between the two cellmates. Condon also made some daring structural adjustments, concentrating all of the musical numbers in Molina's fantasy realm and eliminating many of the songs that were set in the prison. A more coherent emotional journey that is rooted in individual fantasy and desire is the end outcome. 

Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter

New Cast, Fresh Music, and a Vision for Today

Diego Luna plays Valentín, the Marxist revolutionary who becomes close to Molina through their shared suffering and resistance, alongside Lopez and Tonatiuh. In order to transform Molina into a representation of queer tenacity, Tonatiuh, who identifies as non-binary, brought personal experience to the role.

In line with the spirit of the original musical, Kander and Ebb included three additional songs, 'I Will Dance Alone,' 'Never You,' and 'An Everyday Man,' to further develop character arcs. According to critics, this version of the 1985 film is visceral and direct, addressing contemporary issues of identity, confinement, and imagination, whereas the original remained delicate and symbolic.

Image Courtesy: Medium

With visually distinct storytelling and emotionally raw performances, ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ 2025 version is not just a remake—it's a reclamation of queer storytelling for a new era. 

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