Movie #2107 ........................."Parallel Mothers" (Amazon Prime - rental)

Movie #2107 "Parallel Mothers" (Amazon Prime - rental) Let's talk  about best actress because I finally saw all of oscar nominee for that category  --- I missed this one the first time it came around (covid afraid to see it in theater way back when) and it won't be available to stream for free until after the Oscars, so I bit the bullet tonight and rented it, and I'm glad I did because I found the movie quite engrossing.  Almodovar is one of the best visual directors and he works well with Cuz. I knew nothing specific about the story before seeing it, so I don't want to give anything away right here in case you get to see it --- don't want to divulge any surprises. I can say that I have seen the story before, but not in such detailed fashion, and as a result I was more emotionally invested in the story and what the two lead female characters were going through.  And Penelope Cruz is one of the best actresses we have and she does the whole gamut here, unlike some of the other nominees in this category that are oscar-nominated.  I love to watch Kristen Stewart, but her "Spencer" performance was uneven with short clipped sentences showing mostly only the awkward/angst-ridden/unhappy life of Princess Diana.  Olivia Coleman is so quiet in her film, viewer is left guessing a lot to fill in blanks, That leaves Cruz, Kidman or Chastain.  I was very impressed in Kidman's rendition of Lucy, but it's the Lucy we didn't really know so I don't think voters will think she's "doing" her --- so it leaves Cruz or Chastain - and I'm betting not enough people saw the amazing acting  Cruz did  in this picture. So my guess is it is gonna go to Jessica Chastain -- she's long overdue, and she does a very difficult thing in the Tammy Faye movie --- as a cartoonish character, she is able to play it so genuinely that we feel sorry for her.  Back to this movie, I'd give it a 4 out of 5 --- it had  a powerful ending, but I felt there wasn't enough of that part of the story that was told throughout the film --- it felt kind of stuck on.  Otherwise, good film  and I recommend it.  

"PARALLEL MOTHERS"    R      2 HR AND 3 MIN                2021

The story of two mothers who give birth the same day.

Director:  Pedro Almodovar

Writer:  Pedro Almodovar

Stars:  Penelope Cruz, Milena Smit