Parallel

In the end, “Parallel Mothers” reveals that Cecilia, who was believed to be Janis’s biological daughter, was actually Ana’s child, after a DNA test confirms this. Janis, devastated but emotionally attached to Cecilia, decides not to reveal the truth, choosing to keep her as her own. Meanwhile, Ana, overwhelmed by grief, leaves with Cecilia, and their relationship remains tense but unresolved. Throughout the story, the film intertwines personal stories with Spain’s tragic history during the Civil War, symbolized by the excavated graves filled with bones of those murdered years ago. As Janis, Arturo, and the others gather around the grave site, it becomes a powerful reminder of the violent past that continues to echo through their lives. The final scene, where the bodies lie buried yet seemingly breathe, underscores the enduring impact of history and pain on individual identities. Pedro Almodóvar’s “Parallel Mothers” ultimately emphasizes the complex links between history, family, and identity, suggesting that the scars of the past shape who we are and that some truths are best kept hidden, even as the past remains ever-present. The film closes with a poignant nod to the ongoing legacy of those historical tragedies, urging awareness and reflection on the costs of conflict and repression.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44