Film Review: "Parallel Mothers" ("Madres paralelas") (2021).

From the director of Pain and Glory (Dolor y gloria) comes Parallel Mothers (Madres paralelas). This Spanish drama film written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar. Two women, Janis and Ana, coincide in a hospital room where they are going to give birth. Both are single and became pregnant by accident. Janis, middle-aged, doesn’t regret it and she is exultant. The other, Ana, an adolescent, is scared, repentant and traumatized. Janis tries to encourage her while they move like sleepwalkers along the hospital corridors. The few words they exchange in these hours will create a very close link between the two, which by chance develops and complicates, and changes their lives in a decisive way.

In February 2021 it was announced that Almodóvar would pen and direct a new Spanish drama film entitled Madres paralelas. By early March, Penélope Cruz, Milena Smit, Israel Elejalde, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, Julieta Serrano, Rossy de Palma, Pedro Casablanc, Adelfa Calvo and Ainhoa Santamaría were cast. It was reported that Almodóvar intended to cast Anya Taylor-Joy, but couldn't due to Taylor-Joy's busy schedule. At the same time, principal photography commenced and wrapped in late April. Filming took place in Madrid, Torrelaguna and Torremocha de Jarama, Spain. The film was originally scheduled for a September 10, 2021 release date. In late August, it was announced that the film was postponed until October 8 2021.

The film stars Cruz, Smit, Elejalde, Sánchez-Gijón, Serrano, de Palma, Casablanc, Calvo and Santamaría. Who knows the heart of women better than Almódovar? Stunning performances, complex characters, and brilliance all around from the cast.

Like so many Almodóvar films, the emotional revelations are heightened by vibrant visuals and impeccable style. Even in our resolve, though, we are not in control. Janis and Ana's stories illustrates the ways in which we blindly revisit upon others the pain we have received in our lives. This is not my favorite Almodovar twenty first-century work, but I'm grateful one of the film world's high-wire acts continues to produce at such a fantastic level. I don't wish to spoil the surprises Julieta has to offer. Suffice to say the emotional punches are consistent and land more often than not. Almodóvar has devoted many of his films to strong female characters. Underneath his signature bold colours, though, his latest feature feels strangely shallow. The film is emotionally resonant yet far from this auteur's best - the ingredients are all there, you'll just wish they were a little less undercooked. Almodóvar continues to be a leading figure in telling women's stories, and pulls this one off with just enough majesty to keep you in its sway. Exploding off the screen in a blast of colour and compassion, Almodóvar's new film is one of 2021's cinematic treasures. Compared to Almodóvar's grand masterpieces, his latest might seem quaint. But the film is a subtle force of nature, elementally connected with its lead character and her battle to regain personal and familial balance.

Simon says Parallel Mothers (Madres paralelas) receives:

Also, see my review for Pain and Glory (Dolor y gloria).