Parallel Mothers 2021

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.