Parallel Mothers (Madres paralelas - 2021)

I watched this by myself and loved it. Penelope Cruz plays successful single photographer Janis, who meets Ana, a single teenager played by Milena Smit, in the Madrid hospital where they're both about to deliver their daughters. Predictably for the work of director/writer Almadovar, there are many plot twists and flashbacks. And some bad times in Spain's history are also addressed. Cruz' Janis is supposed to be about 39, but in reality she is 47. That said, she is so stunning I didn't mind. Almadovar regular Rossy de Palma plays Janis' best friend Elena.

Apparently Almadovar (he has dropped the professional use of his first name Pedro) has been working on this project for over ten years.

Alberto Iglesias' evocative score is available on Apple Music and the lush and saturated colors are thanks to cinematographer José Luis Alcaine and production designer Antxón Gómez.

Cruz, Almadovar, Iglesias, and Alcaine were last blogged for Pain & Glory, de Palma for Madame, and Gomez for The Skin I Live In (an earlier Almadovar work). Smit is new to me.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' average is a straight and narrow 97%, while its audiences are only slightly crooked at 82.

Because of its Spirit Award International Film nomination, I was able to stream it privately February 2. Check out my running list of selected nominations and awards. The Oscar nominations will be announced Tuesday February 8 and awarded March 27.

Its streaming release date hasn't yet been announced but you can see it right now in a limited run at your local art house.