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Volver (To Return)

Thursday, September 20 at 7:00 p.m. (Shown at the Frost Academic Commons)

Spain, 2006, 121 min.
Director: Pedro Almodóvar
Spanish, with English subtitles

Two sisters learn that the bonds of family don't always end after death in this gentle, observational comedy drama that marks celebrated Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar's 16th feature. The story explores the interactions between three generations of women in a Spanish family. Raimunda (Penélope Cruz) her daughter Paula, Raimunda's younger sister Sole, and their aunt Paula. The story takes an unusual and mystical twist when neighbor Agustina mentions that Irene, Raimunda’s dead mother, has begun reappearing in ghostly form. After Raimunda learns that Paco has been murdered by one of the family; Raimunda cleans up the scene of the crime, quietly takes the responsibility for Paco's death, and decides to dispose of the body in a most unusual manner. After an unexpected family tragedy, Paula's story is indeed corroborated by the appearance of Irene's spirit, and Sole must decide how to respond to the long-dead mother's strange, enchanting presence. (Mark Deming)