Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Moving musical about art and love amid political violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Kiss of the Spider Woman
What's the Story?
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN is set in a Buenos Aires prison in 1983, during the final year of Argentina's oppressive military dictatorship, which killed/disappeared an estimated 30,000 citizens. Luis Molina (Tonatiuh), a gay window dresser arrested for "criminal homosexual acts," is placed in a cell with Valentin Arregui (Diego Luna), a Marxist revolutionary imprisoned for opposing the authoritarian regime. The two men couldn't be more different. To pass the time, Molina decorates their cell with movie posters and recounts his favorite 1950s musical, Kiss of the Spider Woman. During these retellings, the film shifts to lavish musical sequences featuring Aurora (Jennifer Lopez), a glamorous magazine editor who falls for photographer Armando (also Luna) while visiting her small hometown, which has a supernatural secret. As the cellmates bond over Molina's stories, it's revealed that prison officials have pressured Molina to spy on Valentin in exchange for potential leniency. But as their unlikely friendship deepens, Molina faces a choice between self-preservation and loyalty.
Is It Any Good?
Tonatiuh delivers a breakthrough performance in this musical about the transformative power of cinema and what art reveals about humanity. But director Bill Condon coaxes exceptional performances from all three leads in Kiss of the Spider Woman. Lopez reminds audiences that she's a triple threat, nailing the vocal numbers and dazzling in the dance sequences (she was reportedly coached by former Dancing With the Stars pro Tony Dovolani, who also appears in the film-within-a-film as a gangster). Luna is equally impressive, bringing the same combination of gravitas and vulnerability to Valentin that Raul Julia brought to the previous, Oscar-winning 1985 adaptation.
But it's Hollywood newcomer Tonatiuh (who's been acting professionally since 2018) who ultimately carries the film with his unforgettable portrayal of a man who claims to be superficial and self-centered but proves deeply thoughtful and compassionate. He more than holds his own alongside Luna and Lopez. While some audiences might be skeptical of a musical set against a South American dictatorship's torture, poisoning, and state violence, many of the genre's greatest works have tackled similarly deep themes. Kiss of the Spider Woman isn't always fun to watch, but it's an example of how musicals can explore even the darkest moments in which people find beauty, hope, and love.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the enduring popularity of musicals. What makes Kiss of the Spider Woman a compelling musical? What are some other musicals with serious themes?
How does the movie depict political oppression and resistance? What does it say about the costs of standing up to authoritarian regimes?
What role do film and storytelling play in the movie?
How do the characters demonstrate empathy, compassion, and courage? Why are those important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 10, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : November 11, 2025
- Cast : Jennifer Lopez , Diego Luna , Tonatiuh
- Director : Bill Condon
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Queer Movie Actor(s) , Mexican Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Roadside Attractions
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Book Characters , Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy
- Run time : 127 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language, sexual content and some violence
- Last updated : October 16, 2025
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