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.

Actors

Meet the cast of Parallel Mothers and learn about the talented actors who brought the characters to life. Explore their roles and career highlights.


Ratings

Discover how Parallel Mothers is rated on popular platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Explore audience and critic scores to see how this movie ranks among the best.


Metacritic

88

Metascore

7.5

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

96%

TOMATOMETER

review

77%

User Score

IMDb

7.1 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

68

%

User Score

Movie Insider

3.67/5

From 3 fan ratings

Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Parallel Mothers with an engaging quiz. Test your memory of the movie’s characters, plot twists, and unforgettable moments.


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

Who plays the role of Janis Martinez?

Discover the awards and nominations received by Parallel Mothers. Explore the history of Parallel Mothers and its cast and crew.


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

Plot Summary

See more

Get the full story of Parallel Mothers with a detailed plot summary. Dive into its themes, characters, and the twists that make it a must-watch.


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!

Videos

See more

See the latest videos related to Parallel Mothers. Explore trailers, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content that give you a deeper look into the film.


Official Trailer

Official UK & IE Streaming Trailer

Keywords

Discover the keywords that describe the themes and topics of the movie. Explore the keywords that define the essence of the film.


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

© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.