Parallel Mothers
Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: December 24, 2021
7.3
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 80 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
61
Mixed:
10
Negative:
9
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User Reviews

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8
TVJerryFeb 4, 2022
Penélope Cruz stars as a photographer who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant. When she meets a younger woman in a similar situation (Milena Smit), they form a bond. As life develops, their friendship goes thru several complications.Penélope Cruz stars as a photographer who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant. When she meets a younger woman in a similar situation (Milena Smit), they form a bond. As life develops, their friendship goes thru several complications. Writer/director Pedro Almodóvar has framed the film around Cruz's involving performance. He also integrates Spain's dark period under Franco's reign into the narrative. His examination of motherhood, bolstered by the strong ensemble, creates a quietly compelling examination of relationships and the power of healing. (Spanish with English subtitles)… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
GinaKFeb 2, 2022
Another great film by Almodovar that is not only intensely interesting for its deeply moving political story but also for the fantastic performances by Penelope Cruz and the rest of a very fine cast.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
HerickDienerFeb 26, 2022
"Parallel Mothers" foi o culpado em quebrar uma grande barreira que eu tinha com os filmes do Almodóvar, construída por seu jeito cru de dirigir, que, particularmente, não me agrada, e pelo terrível "The Skin I Live In", de 2011.

Mas, aqui"Parallel Mothers" foi o culpado em quebrar uma grande barreira que eu tinha com os filmes do Almodóvar, construída por seu jeito cru de dirigir, que, particularmente, não me agrada, e pelo terrível "The Skin I Live In", de 2011.

Mas, aqui temos uma história que me deixou fascinado em acompanhar. A jornada de autoconhecimento, origens e decisões da personagem de Penélope Cruz nos envolve, quase nos fazendo perdoar os saltos temporais aleatórios do diretor.

Ah, que bom que a vaga da Lady Gaga em Melhor Atriz no Oscar foi ocupada pela Penélope.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
leandrocostaJan 4, 2022
Almodóvar proves his formal maturity. This is a movie about the power of memory and the power of the cinema itself. A great surprise!
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
PanchogulApr 6, 2022
Bueno, es una película del gran Pedro Almodóvar, todo lo que hace es magnífico.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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5
fredphoeshMay 15, 2023
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I thought the mass graves bit was very poorly delt with. I had no care for this part of the story, it really seemed like a point Almadovar wanted to make and stuck it in... Digging up the past, digging into DNA, digging into the truth... HMMM. nah, it was poor IMO. Performances good, but the heavy duty music score seemed like a desperate attempt to make something of this misjudged movie. I'd have preferred nothing about the mass graves. I'd really have preferred it to be a bit of a camp comedy instead of it trying to be serious but then having a rom-com type happy-ish ending... with the protagonists getting what they want. It came across as heavy-handed, pretentious and actually a bit tiresome.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
bertobellamyFeb 19, 2022
Pedro Almodóvar's 'Parallel Mothers' may get a little too soapy sometimes, but why wouldn´t it?

In a film where two new mothers face this new stage of his life, the clash between past and now feels pertinent. There's a lot of melodrama inPedro Almodóvar's 'Parallel Mothers' may get a little too soapy sometimes, but why wouldn´t it?

In a film where two new mothers face this new stage of his life, the clash between past and now feels pertinent. There's a lot of melodrama in here, but the foundation of it all makes it meaningful. Penélope Cruz gives a career-best performance as Janis, a mature woman facing an unexpected pregnancy with optimism. On the other hand, Milena Smit proves that Almodóvar may have seen something extraordinary in her. As Ana, an adolescent also about to become a mother of an unwanted child, Smit gives nuance to a character that in any other movie would've felt cliched.

I've seen that a lot of people have found the political undertone of the film somewhat unrelated to the main plot, but it all goes back to the young vs. old theme. A country trying to heal its wounds needs to look back, but also forward. Janis and Ana represent two parts of a society in conflict; with "Parallel Mothers", Almodóvar proposes a generational reconciliation in search of a brighter future where the past is never forgotten.

Sure there are some inconsistencies in the story here and there, and some moments feel rushed and kind of bonkers, but the way Almodóvar tries to introduce a new family concept is bold and interesting. If you liked this, check out 'The Lost Girl, 'Ema,' and 'Like Father, Like Son' to expand your view of unconventional motherhood and uncommon family dynamics.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
katezoeJan 15, 2022
I love Pedro Almodovar movies, he is an incredible director, but not in "Parallel Mothers". Penélope Cruz was above average. Movie did not resonate.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
Brent_MarchantFeb 22, 2022
As I have stated previously on numerous occasions, I believe the worst sin a film can commit is predictability, and writer-director Pedro Almodovar's latest is hampered by this issue almost from the outset. After a sluggish and overlongAs I have stated previously on numerous occasions, I believe the worst sin a film can commit is predictability, and writer-director Pedro Almodovar's latest is hampered by this issue almost from the outset. After a sluggish and overlong opening sequence when the picture's setup is being established, there isn't one scene in this saga about two new mothers inextricably linked by their shared birth experiences that can't be seen coming from a mile away. The soap operatic tone and swirling overdramatic music accompanying its alleged "revelations" come across like feeble attempts at compensating for this shortcoming, but they're not enough to cover what can easily be seen from a distance. On top of this, the film's attempt at pairing this story thread with another that's almost entirely unrelated (save for some forced parallels involving ancestry and bloodline accuracy) makes for an especially odd mix (particularly since the secondary arc is actually more interesting than the first). Add to all that a wealth of needless padding brought on by excessive incidental dialogue and superfluous images, and you've got a movie that frequently drags in getting on with the story. In fact, about the only element that kept me invested in this release was the fine Oscar-nominated performance of Penelope Cruz, one of the few genuine assets this offering has going for it. Some have suggested that the director may be past his prime at this point in his career, and, based on this and his other two most recent works, "Julieta" (2016) and "Pain and Glory" (2019), I'd regrettably have to concur. This forgettable release is one that's easily skipped.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
alejandro970Mar 4, 2022
La coincidencia, la memoria histórica y la maternidad juntos en una trama que solo alguien como Almodóvar supo hacer de ellos un coctel que al principio es un poco difícil detectar su sabor pero es innegable que resulta agridulce y al final,La coincidencia, la memoria histórica y la maternidad juntos en una trama que solo alguien como Almodóvar supo hacer de ellos un coctel que al principio es un poco difícil detectar su sabor pero es innegable que resulta agridulce y al final, memorable. A ver sin falta… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
albertocastillaFeb 19, 2022
One of the best drama movies of 2021. Penélope Cruz gives a sublime performance and the script of the movie is original, unpredictable and full of emotion. You must to see this film.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
martin57Mar 8, 2022
I always look forward to every Almodovar film. This is one of his best. Penelope Cruz is fantastic (again), in a story that is beautifully shot, has drama, mystery and a history lesson that is important to Spain (and the world really).
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Bradh6886Jan 16, 2022
PARALLEL MOTHERS is a moving drama that elevates beyond the sum of its parts. Penelope Cruz gives a masterful and believable performance. Cinematography style was static at times, but the score made up for it. Script is unassuming but hitsPARALLEL MOTHERS is a moving drama that elevates beyond the sum of its parts. Penelope Cruz gives a masterful and believable performance. Cinematography style was static at times, but the score made up for it. Script is unassuming but hits emotional beats strongly.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
AJ_13Feb 20, 2022
Despite enjoying some aspects such as Penelope's performance or the varied soundtrack by Alberto Iglesias, I felt somewhat lost during the viewing of Parallel Mothers.

I have not been able to connect with the central dramatic plot of theDespite enjoying some aspects such as Penelope's performance or the varied soundtrack by Alberto Iglesias, I felt somewhat lost during the viewing of Parallel Mothers.

I have not been able to connect with the central dramatic plot of the film which leaves me with a sense of indifference and that it could have been made more out of it. However, I was convinced by the historical memory related plot and I think it is undoubtedly the highlight of the film, despite its fleeting presence.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
davemelbourne58Jan 30, 2022
Did not see this one coming. Go ahead and give Penelope Cruz the Best Actress Award. Her performance as a Mom who is not sure if she is ultimately cut out for the job. Great story. Great cast. I was deeply moved.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
NickTheCritickMar 28, 2022
Simply an other great movie but Pedro Almodovar. His beautiful poetry again here: women's strength, women resourcefulness and a beautiful motherhood analysis. Such a good directing by the Spanish director and such good acting by the cast,Simply an other great movie but Pedro Almodovar. His beautiful poetry again here: women's strength, women resourcefulness and a beautiful motherhood analysis. Such a good directing by the Spanish director and such good acting by the cast, especially Penelope Cruz. There are many Almodovar movies I probabily consider even better than this but I stillenjoyed it very much.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
HhdjsjsjDec 25, 2021
Almodòvar and Pénelope's career best. Parallel Mothers is a film at first you don't know if it's bad or good, but ends up exceeding expectations.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
SamiIsidorioDec 26, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Não da gente, a Penelope é a maior que nós temos, é a best actress de 2022.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
KikedvsDec 24, 2021
So good. Almodóvar and Penélope are the best! She gives an amazing performance and the story is so great.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
Mich1992Dec 28, 2021
The most beautiful film that I have seen in many time❤️ The cast is powerful and the story is fantastic!
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
javierpJun 5, 2022
Another outstanding work from Almodóvar. It is of great admiration how touching his stories are, even though they are not far away from common life experiences. Also remarkable is that he brings to the big screen important social SpanishAnother outstanding work from Almodóvar. It is of great admiration how touching his stories are, even though they are not far away from common life experiences. Also remarkable is that he brings to the big screen important social Spanish issues, such as common pits and shootings by the dictatorship from the Civil War.… Expand
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