Parallel Mothers (Madres paralelas)

From Oscar-winning Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar (Talk to Her) comes the story of two women who give birth the same day. Although neither of their pregnancies was planned, Janis (Penélope Cruz) is exultant at the prospect of single motherhood. Adolescent Ana (luminous newcomer Milena Smit), however, is terrified, unsure how she will ever manage. The pair meet one another at the hospital while they are in labor—although they exchange only a few words, they develop a strong bond that will decisively alter the course of their lives. Almodovar’s longtime muse Cruz won best actress at the Venice Film Festival for her riveting performance in this beautifully nuanced, deeply emotional drama.