“Parallel Mothers” (“Madres Paralelas”) is a Spanish drama film released in 2021, directed and written by Pedro Almodóvar. The film stars Penélope Cruz, Milena Smit, Israel Elejalde, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, and Rossy de Palma.
The story revolves around two women, Janis (Penélope Cruz) and Ana (Milena Smit), who form a deep bond after meeting in a hospital where they are both about to give birth. Both women are single, and their pregnancies are unplanned, but they find comfort in each other’s company as they face the challenges ahead.
Janis is a successful photographer in her forties. Her pregnancy results from a brief affair with Arturo (Israel Elejalde), a forensic anthropologist. Despite the unplanned nature of her pregnancy, Janis is excited about becoming a mother. On the other hand, Ana is a teenager frightened and overwhelmed by her situation. Her pregnancy is a result of a traumatic experience, and she feels isolated and unsupported.
As the two women give birth on the same day, they become close friends, sharing their joys and fears about motherhood. However, their lives take unexpected turns as they deal with personal and family secrets that come to light. Janis, in particular, faces a shocking revelation about her baby, leading to a series of events that challenge her notions of family, identity, and truth.
Parallel to the main story, the film also delves into the theme of historical memory. Janis is passionate about uncovering her family’s history and seeks Arturo’s help in exhuming a mass grave where her great-grandfather, a victim of the Spanish Civil War, is buried. This subplot underscores the importance of confronting the past and the impact of history on personal identity.
As Janis and Ana navigate the complexities of their lives, their relationship evolves, revealing the deep emotional connections that bind them. The film explores themes of motherhood, love, loss, and the search for truth, all set against the backdrop of contemporary Spain.
The Other Cinema 