What a wonderful movie, charting "Raimunda's" (Penelope Cruz) journey back to her hometown to pay respects at her mother’s burial site. She had departed years earlier due to difficult circumstances and heartbreaking events. Accompanied by her daughter, "Paula" (Yohana Como), and "Sole" (Lola Dueñas), she reconnects with the aunt who cared for her—an aunt now living in a world all her own—before heading back to Madrid where they encounter further troubles involving "Paula's" father, "Paco," a man prone to heavy drinking. Things don’t quiet down once they return either; more issues arise at home, forcing "Raimunda" to confront some unpleasant realities. It’s quite humorous in a dark way, and Cruz delivers a fantastic performance as she navigates one disaster after another, trying hard to prevent everything from falling apart. The other actors are also memorable, particularly when the story incorporates moments of physical comedy. This is easily among my most enjoyed Almodóvar films, and it’s certainly worth dedicating two hours to for some laughs and a touch of sadness.

Source on TMDB