Emilia Pérez breakout star Karla Sofía Gascón is set to take on one of her most provocative roles yet, starring as a character described as both “God and the devil” in the upcoming psychological thriller The Life Lift. The role comes amid continued attention on Gascón following her Oscar nomination and the controversy that surrounded her awards season last year.
Gascón, who made history as the first openly transgender actor nominated for a Best Actress Oscar for her performance in Emilia Pérez (which also generated significant debate about its portrayal of Mexican culture), will headline The Life Lift opposite Vincent Gallo. In the film, she plays a psychiatrist whose character is written to “embody both God and the devil,” a symbolic role that blends profound psychological conflict with moral duality.
The Life Lift is directed by Italian filmmaker Stefania Rossella Grassi, in her feature directorial debut, and promises a dark, unsettling narrative. Gallo, known for his work on The Brown Bunny and Buffalo ’66, plays a man named Gabriel, who becomes obsessed and tormented by mysterious messages left on Post-it notes in his apartment building. Those notes are said to complicate his psyche and prompt violent impulses.
For Gascón, this film marks her first major project since the backlash over resurfaced offensive social media posts that emerged during the Emilia Pérez award season campaign earlier in 2025. Those posts, which included controversial remarks on topics such as religion and social movements, led to a mixed reaction from the public and industry insiders; she apologized and later described a commitment to learning and growth.
News of her casting in The Life Lift has drawn additional attention partly because of Gallo’s own contentious reputation in Hollywood, making the pairing one of the more talked-about collaborations this year. The project is anticipated to challenge audiences with its thematic ambition and psychological depth.
This role adds to a busy slate for Gascón: alongside The Life Lift, she is also involved in other upcoming films, including the Spanish western Trinidad, highlighting her continued momentum in international cinema despite the controversies that have followed her.
