Parallel Mothers

A deeply nuanced portrayal of female bonds.

Cruz may not be the favorite in the Best Actress race, but her performance in Pedro Almodóvar’s film is, well, unparalleled.

I was both fairly sure what Parallel Mothers might be, and eager to be surprised. Thankfully, Almodóvar delivers on both fronts – as Almodóvar should almost always be entrusted to do.

If you're already a fan of Almodovar's work this is essential viewing; if you haven't been introduced to his very special world before, Parallel Mothers will be a great place to start.

Most of all, it's Cruz who sets the tone, with a performance that radiates warmth and is refreshingly forgiving of her character's flaws. She has never been better.

Even the dark excavation at the heart of the enterprise is delivered with wit, warmth and eye-popping colours.

Whatever the case, this is bravura film-making, as Almodóvar brings humour and humanity to a story which in less assured hands, could easily have played like a corny soap opera.

Like several of Almodóvar's mother melodramas, Parallel Mothers oscillates between the “bad mother” and the “good mother.” The symbolic parallels constantly, redefine the narrative, linking the themes of the violation of human rights and identity.

Take a seat and let the story captivate you from the first words to the very last frame.

This is Almodóvar at his most political and romantic, an absolute treat for all of the senses.