Two women meet in a maternity ward during labour and develop a bond. 

Janis (Penelope Cruz) is a photographer approaching middle age delighted with her unplanned pregnancy whilst Ana (Milena Smit) is a young woman mortified with hers. They exchange numbers and later forge a friendship. 

Pedro Almodovar’s latest is a little peculiar even by his standards. Whilst it is no less fascinating than some of his best films it is not near his usual high benchmark thanks to the rather clunky juxtaposition of its two plot lines. The first plot line is so sensational that it would be right at home in a soap opera and whilst I will not spoil it here some of its major story beats can be seen from quite some distance. The second plot line in contrast is a much more sober affair focusing on Janis’ goal of having the unmarked grave of her great grandfather who was murdered in the Spanish civil war uninterred. Both focus on family but each story is wildly different in tone. 

Frequent Almodóvar collaborator Penelope Cruz and first time collaborator Milena Smit are both thoroughly engaging as single mothers. Their relationship is complex and believable despite what the plot line throws at it. 

The film feels both light and breezy and sober and serious at different points. 

Fans of Almodóvar will be very happy even if it is not a patch on his previous film Pain and Glory.