Volver
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Synopsis
After a shocking act of self-defense, a resourceful Spanish mother must hide her husband's body while simultaneously dealing with the sudden, inexplicable reappearance of her own mother's ghost.
Plot
In a working-class neighborhood of Madrid, hardworking mother Raimunda returns home to a horrifying scene: her teenage daughter, Paula, has stabbed her husband Paco to death after he attempted to assault her. Driven by a fierce maternal instinct, Raimunda cleans up the blood and hides Paco’s body in a deep freezer located inside a temporarily closed restaurant she is watching over. Meanwhile, Raimunda’s timid sister, Sole, travels to their rural hometown in La Mancha for the funeral of their Aunt Paula. While there, Sole encounters what she believes to be the ghost of their mother, Irene, who supposedly perished in a tragic fire years ago with their father. The “ghost” follows Sole back to Madrid, hiding in her apartment and assisting her in her illegal hair salon.
Ending Explained
It is eventually revealed that Irene is not a ghost at all. She survived the fire years ago, but she had actually started it herself after discovering her husband in bed with another woman. Irene has been living in hiding with Aunt Paula ever since. Irene reveals her biggest regret: she never knew that her husband had sexually abused Raimunda, resulting in the birth of Paula (making Paco not the biological father). Irene has “returned” to make amends and ask for Raimunda’s forgiveness. After a tearful, deeply emotional reconciliation, Raimunda forgives her mother. With Paco’s body safely buried by the river, Irene decides to stay in the village to care for a sick neighbor, finding peace. The film ends with a renewed, indestructible bond forged between the three generations of women.
What We Think About This Movie
What We Liked
Penélope Cruz's breathtaking, magnetic, and career-defining performance as Raimunda.
Pedro Almodóvar's masterful, colorful direction and warm portrayal of an exclusively female universe.
The beautiful, vibrant cinematography by José Luis Alcaine that brings the imagery to life.
The seamless, effortless blend of dark comedy, murder mystery, and deep family drama.
The stunning musical sequence where Raimunda sings the titular song, "Volver."
What We Didn't Like
A few instances of situational comedy (such as the ghost hiding under the bed) verge on being a bit too silly.
While outstanding, it delivers a very "typical" Almodóvar experience without reinventing his established style.
Who Should Watch
Fans of Pedro Almodóvar and vibrant, character-driven Spanish cinema.
Viewers who appreciate dark comedies centered on strong, resilient female characters.
Anyone looking to see Penélope Cruz in one of her absolute best acting roles.
Who Should Skip
Viewers looking for fast-paced action or traditional murder mysteries.
Audiences who prefer gritty, highly realistic dramas over colorful, slightly melodramatic stories.
Movie Details
Where to Watch Volver in the USA
Frequently Asked Questions About Volver
What is Volver about?
Volver is a dramatic comedy about a fiercely protective mother who must hide her husband's dead body, all while dealing with the sudden reappearance of her own mother, who was believed to have died in a fire years ago.
Who directed Volver?
The film was written and directed by acclaimed Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar.
Did Penélope Cruz sing in Volver?
While Penélope Cruz delivers a passionate and convincing lip-sync performance on screen, the actual singing voice belongs to renowned flamenco singer Estrella Morente.
What awards did Volver win?
The film was highly acclaimed, winning Best Screenplay and Best Actress (awarded collectively to the female ensemble cast) at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival. Penélope Cruz also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
What language is Volver in?
The film is in Spanish.
