The circumstances that brought them to the Madrid hospital are quite different—one accidental, the other traumatic—and a secret, hiding the truth of the bond that connects these two, is a powerful story that tackles a deep trauma in Spanish history.

QFT is no stranger to this power partnership's work. All About My Mother, Volver and 2019's Pain and Glory to name a few, Parallel Mothers sees Pedro Almodóvar and Penélope Cruz together again.

Penélope Cruz's Janis is a uniquely complex, flawed, but ultimately alluring lead character, who finds herself in a morally and emotionally treacherous situation. She's viewed in contrast with Ana, radiantly portrayed by newcomer Milena Smit, a discovery who brings a palpable innocence, pain, and longing to this interwoven portrait of women and motherhood. These charismatic stars inhabit characters who are singular among those drawn by Almodóvar in a career defined by striking portraits of women.

"Almodóvar shows us that he's as playful, adventurous and relevant as ever in this wickedly good and surprisingly emotional melodrama, which tackles weighty issues of history, birthright and bonds between women." - San Jose Mercury News

^{As we move into the next stage of life in the pandemic, you might like to read more our current measures. Find out more here. If you have any questions, we've got a new range of FAQs here, and you can email us on qftmanager@qub.ac.uk.}