But it takes extraordinary directing skills to make such a film, and fascinate audiences by it. 'Madres Paralelas' is a relatively unspectacular film, because in consists mostly of people talking, reacting to each other and showing their emotions. To which she replies that it doesn't really matter, because the unborn baby is already there. In one funny moment, he tells Cruz that he wants to have a child with her, but not yet. The only male character of any importance is subject to the whims of women. Which is a nice change: most films are male-centred. A nice characteristic of this film is that it's all about women designing their own lives. The contrast with the other themes in the film is striking: we see Cruz, and the other parallel mother Milena Smit, involved in childbirth, friendship and rethinking their future lives. It is about death, war and coping with past sins. The point Almodovar wants to make about Spain, is intelligently integrated into the story. The former prime minister Mariano Rajoy is even mentioned, which seems at odds with the fact that Almodovars cinematographic universe is usually uncoupled from modern day issues. But this time, Almodovar adds a little extra: a subtle attack on the right-leaning political parties in Spain. An unorthodox story about women and motherhood, superb acting from Penelope Cruz, tasteful clothing and interiors, beautiful cinematography and intelligent dialogues with surprising twists. In 'Madres Paralelas', all the usual Almodovar ingredients are blended together exquisitely. The older he gets, the more intense and pure his films become. The remarkable thing with Pedro Almodovar is that, at 72, he still doesn't seem to have reached his peak. Most directors reach a peak somewhere during their career.
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