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Poster for Parallel Mothers

Parallel Mothers

Seen it?

2021 | 123 min | Drama

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (96% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved The Nun's Story, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 3 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • It's in Spanish, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Two unmarried women who have become pregnant by accident and are about to give birth meet in a hospital room: Janis, in her late-thirties, unrepentant and happy; Ana, a teenager, remorseful and frightened.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    96% on Rotten Tomatoes, 88 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.8 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 1 Venice award: Venice International Film Festival: Volpi Cup for Best Actress. Also nominated for 2 Oscars, 2 Golden Globes and 1 BAFTA. Plus 14 other awards.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $23 million worldwide on a $11 million budget

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 78K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Pedro Almodóvar

  • Penélope CruzJanis
  • Milena SmitAna
  • Israel ElejaldeArturo
  • Aitana Sánchez-GijónTeresa
  • Rossy de PalmaElena
  • Julieta SerranoBrígida
  • Arantxa Aranguren
  • Adelfa Calvo
  • José Javier Domínguez
  • Trinidad Iglesias