Jennifer Lopez's 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' Opens in UK and Irish Cinemas
The musical film Kiss of the Spider Woman, starring Jennifer Lopez, has opened in UK and Irish cinemas following a difficult run at the US box office, with British and Irish critics offering mixed reviews that praise the film's ambition and the performance of co-star Tonatiuh while noting its commercial challenges.
Background
Kiss of the Spider Woman is an adaptation of the Kander and Ebb stage musical, itself based on Manuel Puig's celebrated 1976 novel. Directed by Bill Condon, the film is set in 1983 Argentina and centres on two prisoners — Luis Molina, a trans window dresser played by Tonatiuh, and political dissident Valentin Arregui Paz, played by Diego Luna — who are imprisoned together. Jennifer Lopez takes on three distinct roles in the film.
Key Developments
The film opened in UK and Irish cinemas on 17 April 2026, following a difficult commercial performance in the United States, where it underperformed at the box office despite the star power of Jennifer Lopez. Reviews for its UK release have been mixed, with critics acknowledging the film's ambitious scope and its willingness to tackle complex political and social themes through the medium of musical cinema.
The standout performance, according to several UK critics, is that of Tonatiuh as Luis Molina, whose portrayal of the trans window dresser has been described as nuanced and emotionally compelling. Lopez's multiple roles have received more divided assessments, with some critics praising her commitment to the material and others finding the film's balance between its political themes and fantastical musical elements uneven.
Why It Matters
The film's UK and Irish release comes at a time of significant debate about representation in cinema, and Kiss of the Spider Woman engages directly with themes of identity, political oppression, and human connection. Its arrival in British and Irish cinemas gives audiences the opportunity to engage with a film that tackles substantive subject matter through an ambitious artistic lens.
What's Next
The film's UK and Irish box office performance will be closely watched, particularly given its underperformance in the US. Awards season consideration remains a possibility, particularly for Tonatiuh's performance. For more, see Metro.
