Year of Release: 2021
Director: Pedro Almodovar
Starring: Penelope Cruz, Milena Smit, Aitana Sanchez-Gijon, Israel Elejalde, Rossy de Palma, Julieta Serrano, Ainhoa Santamaria, Adelfa Calvo, Julio Manrique
Genre: Drama
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 7
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Synopsis and Review
Following the autobiographical "Dolor y Gloria/Pain and Glory", which featured one of Antonio Banderas' best performances, Pedro Almodovar returned with another female centric narrative. This time around the narrative focuses on the story of Janis Martinez, a professional photographer, whom we first encounter doing a photo shoot with an archaeologist by the name of Arturo. She asks him if it is possible that his foundation will help excavate a mass grave near her pueblo, where quite a few people including her ancestors, were shot during the Spanish Civil War. Families want to be able to put the remains in the cemetery, where they belong. Janis and Arturo have a romantic tryst, which doesn't go any further, as Arturo is married, and his wife is going through some serious health issues. Janis however discovers she's pregnant, and decides to keep the baby, even if Arturo isn't entirely on board. While waiting to give birth in the hospital, she becomes friends with another woman who is also giving birth, a young woman by the name of Ana. Both women give birth at the same time, and both their babies are held for observation due to some minor concerns. They decide to stay in touch with each other. A few months later Arturo connects with Janis in order to check on the baby, and much to her surprise, he openly expresses that he thinks the baby isn't his. Janis decides to do a DNA test on herself and the baby, and much to her shock, the test confirms that she also isn't the mother of the child. During this time, she reconnects with Ana, who is working at a coffee shop near her house. Ana tells her that Anita, Ana's baby, has died as a result of crib death. Janis decides to invite Ana to come work and live in her house.
"Madres Paralelas" is another great female centric narrative from Pedro Almodovar. It's a film that once again has a variety of different layers to itself, one that examines the roles of women and the various nuances that exist between all of them, something that can be easily visualized by the perspectives that are given to Janis/Ana/Teresa. In parallel with this focus on women, there's also a thread dedicated on looking back to Spain's own history, and how some of the wounds from its Civil War are still very much open, and the longing that families have to find closure regarding it. All these threads make this film very compelling, something that is amplified because this film also manages to have a great central character, a modern woman, of a certain age, coming to terms with what she wants for her future, while also looking back at her ancestry, her roots, and what shaped her to be who she is. While the story itself isn't as inspired as "All About My Mother" or "Talk to Her" or even "Bad Education", it's nonetheless a film that is just as rich, since these characters are more nuanced, have more depth, and feel more authentic as a result of all the threads that are woven. Penélope Cruz is fantastic in the central role, composing a character that is unlike the effusive and dazzling ones she's created for Pedro Almodovar: Janis is a mature woman, someone who is conflicted by some of the unexpected swings life throws at her, but that somehow keeps moving along, not letting herself be deterred by anything. Her scenes with Milena Smit, particularly in the third act are heartbreaking. The supporting cast is equally solid, particularly Aitana Sanchez-Gijon, Julieta Serrano, and Rossy de Palma. The technical team is impeccable as always, with particular highlights going for Jose Luis Alcaine's cinematography, Alberto Iglesias' score, Antxon Gomez's production design, and Paola Torres' costumes. Another great film from one of the most gifted storytellers/directors currently working.
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