Parallel Mothers

Pedro Almódovar’s latest is a layered, surprising drama about two prospective mothers whose lives intersect in a hospital maternity ward.

Price: $5.99 + taxes and fees

“A brisk and breathless romantic drama” –Richard Brody, The New Yorker

Pedro Almódovar explores a new angle on some favourite themes — motherhood, family legacies, reconciliation with the past — in his award-winning latest film, Parallel Mothers.

Two women arrive separately at a hospital, about to give birth. Both are single and became pregnant by accident. Middle-aged Janis (Penélope Cruz) has no regrets — in fact she is exultant. Adolescent Ana (Milena Smit) is scared, repentant, and traumatized. Janis tries to encourage Ana while they move like sleepwalkers through the hospital corridors. The few words they exchange in those hours creates a close link between the two new mothers, which, through chance — and a series of Almodóvarian twists — will become complicated and change their lives.

Parallel Mothers has drawn fresh accolades for Cruz, whose performance earned her Best Actress awards at Venice and from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, and more.

Nominee, 2022 Academy Awards: Actress in a Leading Role (Penélope Cruz), Music (Original Score)

Content advisory: references to sexual violence and trauma; sexually suggestive scenes, coarse language