Parallel Mothers

Parallel Mothers (Spanish: Madres paralelas) is a 2021 Spanish drama film written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar. The film centers on Janis, played by Penélope Cruz, and Ana (Milena Smit), who give birth on the same day in a hospital. Their lives become intertwined when Janis learns a shocking truth about her daughter's biological heritage. As the film explores their evolving relationships with their children, it also reflects on Spain's unresolved history, particularly the painful legacy of the civil war and the search for missing bodies. Israel Elejalde, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, Rossy de Palma, and Julieta Serrano co-star. The film had its premiere on 1 September 2021 as the opening film of the 78th Venice International Film Festival, where Cruz was awarded the Volpi Cup for Best Actress. It was released theatrically in Spain on 8 October 2021 by Sony Pictures Releasing International, and was the closing film of the 2021 New York Film Festival on the same day. At the 94th Academy Awards, the film received two nominations: Best Actress (Cruz) and Best Original Score (Iglesias).