Parallel Mothers 2021

As fate converges in a hospital room, two women from different walks of life - Janis, a radiant optimist, and Ana, a fragile teenager - find themselves bound together by unexpected pregnancy. As they navigate the uncertain terrain of motherhood, their tentative connection blossoms into a profound bond that will forever alter their paths.

As fate converges in a hospital room, two women from different walks of life - Janis, a radiant optimist, and Ana, a fragile teenager - find themselves bound together by unexpected pregnancy. As they navigate the uncertain terrain of motherhood, their tentative connection blossoms into a profound bond that will forever alter their paths.

Does Parallel Mothers have end credit scenes?

No!

Parallel Mothers does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Parallel Mothers

Explore the complete cast of Parallel Mothers, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Parallel Mothers

See how Parallel Mothers is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Parallel Mothers stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

88

Metascore

7.5

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

96%

TOMATOMETER

review

78%

User Score

IMDb

7.1 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

68

%

User Score

Letterboxd

3.6

From 203 fan ratings

Movie Insider

3.67/5

From 3 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate Parallel Mothers Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Parallel Mothers with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Parallel Mothers Quiz: Test your knowledge on the intricate themes and characters of the movie 'Parallel Mothers'.

Who plays the role of Janis Martinez?

Awards & Nominations for Parallel Mothers

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Discover all the awards and nominations received by Parallel Mothers, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Parallel Mothers and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


94th Academy Awards 2022

Penélope Cruz
Nomination

Actress in a Leading Role

Penélope Cruz
Nomination

Music (Original Score)

75th British Academy Film Awards 2022

Pedro Almodóvar
Nomination

Best Film Not in the English Language

Pedro Almodóvar

9th Feroz Awards 2022

Nomination

Drama

Penélope Cruz
Nomination

Best Actress in a Motion Picture

Penélope Cruz
Aitana Sánchez-Gijón
Win

Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture

Aitana Sánchez-Gijón
Milena Smit
Nomination

Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture

Milena Smit
Pedro Almodóvar
Nomination

Best Director

Pedro Almodóvar
Win

Best Original Soundtrack

Nomination

Best Trailer

79th Golden Globe Awards 2022

Nomination

Best Original Score

37th Film Independent Spirit Awards 2022

Nomination

Best International Film

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Parallel Mothers

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Read the complete plot summary of Parallel Mothers, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


Photographer Janis Martínez conducts a photoshoot with the distinguished forensic archaeologist Arturo. During their meeting, she inquires about the possibility of his foundation assisting in the excavation of a mass grave in her hometown, a site of tragedy from the Spanish Civil War where her great-grandfather and several other men were killed and buried. To her relief, Arturo agrees to consider the case, leading to a passionate encounter that results in Janis becoming pregnant. Despite Arturo’s insistence that she should not proceed with the pregnancy, given that his wife is battling cancer, Janis is resolute in her decision to raise their child, revealing her strength and independence.

In a twist of fate, Janis shares a hospital room with Ana, a teenage single mother, and they give birth simultaneously. After a brief time in the hospital, they both return home, yet stay connected as they update each other on their parenting journeys. One day, Arturo unexpectedly visits Janis, appearing disturbed as he questions whether he is truly the father of baby Cecilia. This spurs Janis to conduct a maternity test, which uncovers that she is not Cecilia’s biological mother. However, she decides to keep this shocking revelation to herself, leading to complex emotions as she dismisses her au pair.

As time passes, Janis encounters Ana again, who now works at a café. Ana confides in her that her baby, Anita, tragically died from crib death, revealing her own struggles. This meeting prompts Janis to request a photo of Anita, which solidifies her fears that the babies were mistakenly swapped at the hospital. Seeking to make amends, Janis offers Ana a position as a live-in maid to help look after Cecilia, but secretly collects DNA samples to confirm her suspicions. The results devastate her—Cecilia is indeed Ana’s daughter. Ana opens up about her harrowing experience of becoming pregnant as a result of a gang rape, confessing that her father pressured her to stay silent to protect their family’s reputation.

In the evolving relationship between Janis and Ana, a casual intimacy blossoms, though Janis struggles to fully commit to Ana’s desires for a deeper connection. Meanwhile, Arturo delivers the uplifting news that his foundation will proceed with the mass grave excavation and that his wife has recovered from cancer, leading to their separation. They celebrate this new chapter, inadvertently fueling Ana’s jealousy. In a poignant moment, Ana’s mother seeks reconciliation with her daughter, revealing her regret over her own choices.

As tensions rise, Janis confides the truth to Ana, who reacts explosively, taking Cecilia away, leaving Janis in despair. Seeking solace, Janis turns to Arturo, and they share an emotional night together. The following day, Ana reaches out, offering Janis a chance to remain in Cecilia’s life, signifying a fragile truce.

Fast forward several months, Janis and Arturo visit her ancestral village to initiate the long-awaited excavation, where Arturo gathers crucial information from the families of the departed. To Janis’s surprise and joy, Ana arrives with baby Cecilia, and in a tender moment, she reveals her own pregnancy, saying that she plans to name her child Ana if it’s a girl, or Antonio if it’s a boy, honoring her great-grandfather. The excavation culminates in a solemn gathering, uniting the village in remembrance of their ancestors, providing a poignant closure to their shared history.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Parallel Mothers

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Parallel Mothers. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Official Trailer

Official UK & IE Streaming Trailer

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


motherhoodbisexualspanish civil warpregnancysingle mothermother daughter relationshipphotographermass gravebabysitterchildbirththeatergravefemale bondingmadrid spainlesbian relationshipolder woman younger woman relationshipfashion photographerdna testwritten by directorhospitalpregnant teenagerraped girlcafecemeterysex scenegang rapeextramarital affairexcavationforensic anthropologistvillagesudden infant death syndrometheater actressreference to shakespeare's hamletglass eyeskeletonsudden deathplay rehearsalmonologuememoryheritagetortillahousekeeperfemale protagonistpregnant womangiving birthnewbornbabytelephone callphotographphoto shoot

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