Parallel Mothers

Nominated for two Academy Awards, including a Best Actress nomination for Penelope Cruz, this newest film from maverick gay director Pedro Almodovar is a true must-see. The film follows two women, Janis and Ana (played by Cruz and Milena Smit), who meet in a hospital room while they are both about to give birth. Both are single and became pregnant by accident. Janis, middle-aged, doesn't regret it and she is exultant. Ana, an adolescent, is scared, repentant and traumatized. Janis tries to encourage her while they move like sleepwalkers along the hospital corridors. The few words they exchange in these hours will create a very close link between the two, which by chance develops, complicates and changes their lives in decisive ways.