The story revolves around a volatile estranged mother-daughter relationship; upon reuniting, they come to realize that they have been sharing the same man. Quicker than you can say Women on the Verge, the film fires head-first into a series of alternately hilarious and tragic situations.

The luminous Abril plays the successful but emotionally bankrupt daughter Becky. Paredes gives a virtuoso Joan Crawford-style performance as Becky's domineering, cold but ultimately caring mother. Almodóvar's trademark visuals blend with tragic and comedic melodrama to wonderful effect; he continues to be one of the most original and inventive directors working today.

The film also features a head-turning transvestite nightclub singer named Femme Lethal and an unforgettable all-lesbian prison musical dance number. Spanish with English subtitles.