By Armando

The 2025 Sundance Film Festival hosted the world premiere of Kiss of the Spider Woman at the Eccles Center Theatre on Sunday night, Jan. 26, 2025. The event drew a full house, culminating in a standing ovation for the film.

Jennifer Lopez, in attendance, stars in the film’s titular role, arrived at the premiere in a sheer black lace gown embellished with glittering spiderweb detailing.

Designed by Valdrin Sahiti and styled by her longtime collaborators Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn, the look stood out in a festival known more for its winter layers than red carpet glamour. She was joined by director Bill Condon and co-stars Diego Luna and Tonatiuh Elizarraraz.

Directed by Condon, the musical adaptation is based on Manuel Puig’s 1976 novel, which had previously been turned into both a 1985 film and a Tony-winning 1993 Broadway musical. This new version reimagines the material as an indie musical, with Lopez playing Aurora, a captivating film actress who appears as a fantastical figure within the mind of one of the characters. Luna portrays Valentín, a political prisoner, while Elizarraraz plays Molina, whose love for movies provides the story’s dreamlike framework.

The film’s synopsis reads: “Lopez is an astonishing scene-stealer in a career-highlight performance as Luna/Aurora, with showstopping musical numbers that underscore the exuberant prowess of her dancing and voice. Diego Luna delivers unrelenting revolutionary conviction as Valentín, and Tonatiuh gives his Molina a tenderhearted power and theatrical flair.”

The premiere marks a notable one for Lopez, with early audience response citing her performance as a highlight of the film. Sundance continues through Feb. 2.

Photos: aipimaging.com