Parallel Mothers is a Spanish drama film written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar. The film follows two women, Janis and Ana, from different generations who find themselves sharing the same hospital room as they prepare to give birth. Despite their differences in age and temperament, they both face similar challenges with societal expectations and personal choices.
Janis, played by Penélope Cruz, is a confident and independent woman who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant later in life and embraces motherhood with excitement. Ana, played by Milena Smit, is a young and inexperienced girl who becomes pregnant after a one-night stand and struggles with the shame and fear of disappointing her family.
As their stories unfold, the two women form an unlikely bond and find support in each other as they navigate the complex emotions and pressures of motherhood. Along the way, they also confront issues of class, gender, and cultural values that affect their lives and relationships.
Parallel Mothers premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September 2021 and received positive reviews for its performances, direction, and themes. The film is considered to be a poignant and timely exploration of motherhood, identity, and societal norms.