Parallel Mothers (2021)

Parallel Mothers (2021)

Vibrant, dramatic, and relevant, Parallel Mothers is a memorable entry into director Pedro Almodóvar’s prolific body of work

7.8

Movie

Spain
Spanish
Drama
2021
PEDRO ALMODÓVAR
Adelfa Calvo, Agustín Almodóvar, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón
123 min

What it's about

Two unmarried women who have become pregnant by accident and are about to give birth meet in a hospital room: Janis, in her late-thirties, unrepentant and happy; Ana, a teenager, remorseful and frightened.

The take

Whether or not you’re familiar with director Pedro Almodóvar’s body of work, Parallel Mother stands as a gorgeous melodrama, a striking story about motherhood and our ties to the past. On one level, it’s a simple but engaging drama about a misunderstanding that ensues between two women. But on another, it’s a deep dive into a nation’s cruel history, as well as an observation of people’s commitment to never letting that part of themselves go. 

The film references Almodóvar’s past films but it also works as a standalone, a perfect starting point for moviegoers interested in exploring his oeuvre. Of course, Penelope Cruz continues to be a powerhouse, each line delivery an emotional gut punch, while relative newcomer Milena Smit is stirring, a true revelation, as her director calls her.

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