Madres Paralelas, from 2021, is one of the many gems by the legendary Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar (his latest work is The Room Next Door, from 2024). A film that skillfully blends intense emotions, family entanglements, and reflections on the past, all framed by the extraordinary performance of Penélope Cruz, which earned her an Oscar nomination. Now available on Netflix, this film is a deep and engaging journey, awarded and praised at the most prestigious festivals. Here’s everything you need to know about the movie, from the plot and cast to reviews, awards and release date.
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Parallel Mothers – all the key details
- Original Title: Madres Paralelas
- Genre: Drama
- Country of Production: Spain
- Year of Production: 2021
- Duration: 123 minutes
- Main cast: Penélope Cruz, Milena Smit, Israel Elejalde
- Director: Pedro Almodóvar
What Parallel Mothers is about
Two women, Janis and Ana, meet by chance in a hospital room as they are about to become mothers. Both are single and facing unplanned pregnancies. From this encounter, a deep bond arises that will lead them to share joys, pains, and unexpected secrets. In the background, Almodóvar weaves an intimate reflection on the meaning of motherhood and the still open wounds of Spanish history.
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Parallel Mothers : cast and main characters
The cast of Parallel Mothers is a celebration of Spanish talent. Penélope Cruz, who plays Janis, delivers one of her most memorable performances, earning an Oscar nomination. Milena Smit, also appreciated for her performance in Snow Girl, shines as Ana, bringing a surprising force of nature to the role, supported by Israel Elejalde and Aitana Sánchez-Gijón.
Awards and reviews
The film premiered at the 2021 Venice Film Festival, where Penélope Cruz won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress. It garnered a slew of accolades, including 2 Oscar nominations, a Golden Globe nomination, and 7 Goya Award nominations. Almodóvar explained that the film is a tribute to women fighting to reveal the historical truths of Spain’s past, intertwining the theme of historical memory with intimate storytelling. At the Italian box office, Madres Paralelas grossed 2.5 million euros, demonstrating strong audience appreciation. On Rotten Tomatoes, based on user scores, the film achieves an excellent 96% approval rating, while the audience score stands at 77%.
Is Parallel Mothers based on a true story?
No, Parallel Mothers is an original work written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar. However, the film incorporates historical and social themes from Spain, such as the legacy of the Spanish Civil War and the recovery of historical memory, which are woven into the personal stories of the characters. This gives the story a realistic and socially resonant backdrop, even though the characters and events themselves are fictional.
Why you should watch it
The film draws on Spain’s history and the issue of mass graves from the Civil War, a theme that intertwines masterfully with the main narrative. Madres Paralelas is a film that leaves no one indifferent. With sublime direction, a stellar cast, and a plot that combines personal intimacy and historical reflections, Pedro Almodóvar has created a work destined to stay in the hearts of viewers.
Release date on Netflix
Parallel Mothers is available on Netflix starting December 24, 2021.
