When “Kiss of the Spider Woman” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January, it took place against the backdrop of President Trump’s return to office and his early executive orders expanding immigration detention, fast-tracking deportations, and disregarding protections for marginalized groups. Writer-director Bill Condon noted that the film offers a contrasting viewpoint to these developments.
Set in Argentina’s Dirty War, the film follows prisoners Valentin Arregui Paz, a revolutionary, and Luis Molina, a gay window dresser, who find common ground in their bleak existence. Molina escapes into the world of musicals, specifically recounting “The Kiss of the Spider Woman,” allowing their narrative to transition from one of survival to one filled with love and honor.
Originally a novel by Manuel Puig penned during his self-imposed exile in 1974, “Kiss of the Spider Woman” has been adapted multiple times, with each version maintaining its core themes. The recent adaptation resonates powerfully with contemporary political issues, drawing parallels between the oppressive regime of 1970s Argentina and today’s escalating authoritarianism under Trump.
The film captures the dangers faced by marginalized individuals under dictatorship, where Molina embraces his societal role in a bid to survive emotionally. As the two men’s relationship deepens, their contrasting perspectives begin to meld, showing that even in oppressive environments, hope and dignity can prevail.
In its conclusion, despite their circumstances, Molina finds inspiration in Arregui’s integrity, realizing that art isn’t merely escapism; it’s a lifeline that emboldens resistance in times of darkness.
