Movie No. 1 (2017): JULIETA

Julieta (aka Silencio) (2016)
Director: Pedro Almodovar
Cast: Emma Suarez, Adriana Ugarte
In Spanish, in English subtitles

The movie is a painful drama about the unexpected drifting away of Antia from her mother Julieta after the death of Xoan (Julieta's husband and Antia's father). The movie begins with a chance encounter between mother and daughter in Madrid. The encounter, which is unexpected after years of Antia's disappearance, is brief and casual. The rest of the movie is told in flashbacks. 

This is typically Almodovar, but without the occasional absurdities and wackiness. The movie writes pain as silent, but strong. The performances are excellent. 

Rating: 3.5/4.0

Date seen: January 1, 2017