"Volver" is a colorful and provocative film (4.25/5)

Over the last year, I have pushed myself to seek out films that emanate from directors that many would claim are the best the world has to offer. In what seems like a never ending quest, this week I finally tackled at least one film from the canon of Pedro Almodovar and that film was "Volver". Going into the film, my prior knowledge of Almodovar was limited at best. If anything, the only thing I knew about him is that his films often feature a strong color palette mixed in with sex appeal. As alluded to in the title of this review, my expectations were met. Yet, what I really didn't expect was Pedro crafting an impressive film based on a cast compromised almost entirely of women. I'm not saying that women don't make for great cinematic centerpieces. Instead, I was stunned at how a male could form a film about female relationships and attitudes without relying on stereotypes, nor falling into the traps of a Lifetime movie. Granted, at its core, the plot of the film resembles many of the films you'll find on the Lifetime channel, but never is it as one dimensional.

Sure, on the surface the film seems like something we've seen before, as it deals with the sins of man and multi-generational squabbles, but it also possesses moments of the ethereal kind. The story opens up with two sisters, Raimunda (Penelope Cruz) and Sole (Lola Duenas), who are grieving the death of their Aunt, as well as reminiscing about their own parents who passed away in a mysterious fire. Things become a little more complicated though when Raimunda comes home one night to find her boyfriend murdered (at the hands of her fourteen year old daughter) and Sole arrives home with the ghost of her dead mother, Irene (Carmen Maura), following close behind. As both women try to hide their respective problems, they find out the past never dies and is never entirely what it seems. So, what starts as a family drama quickly evolves into a film of supernatural intrigue. Yet, no matter how far fetched the film may turn, it always hinges on the well constructed family drama which deftly balances dark subject matter (adultery, rape, etc.) with a sense of humor that keeps the film from treading too deep into a depressing state.

This is obviously attributed to the screenplay, but Almodovar does his part as he gleefully stages many of the darker sequences against a colorful landscape. Almodovar's use of color not only makes the film interesting to look at, but it also makes each scene bubble over with life despite the macabre subject matter. Despite the life and compassion that Almodovar pumps into the film, he also loses focus just a bit in the second act as he tries to give each sister's story the time to breathe. Splitting time between the stories of Raimunda and Sole, between the grim and the fantastical,  Almodovar at times can't quite switch between both stories and tones without seeming abrupt. It's at this point that his (and the screenplay's) desire to be many things at once begins an act of betrayal. Fortunately, Almodovar is able to reestablish an equilibrium before the film's style, tone, and substance collapse. When looked at in the confines of a bigger picture, this is merely a minor issue I have with Almodovar's direction, which is otherwise impeccable, as he adds great style to what is already a provocative screenplay. But, above all the style he offers,  it's Almodovar understanding  of his female characters that is the most important aspect of "Volver".

It's through this understanding that he not only allows us to sympathize with their situations and behaviors, but also to feel empowered by how strong these women have been when they've all seemingly faced the wrath of despicable men. Assisting Almodovar in the cementing of womanhood are the actresses that grace our presence. All of the actresses in this film deliver magnificent performances that not only deliver many layers to their characters, but also are charming as they go wherever Almodovar takes them. But, for as good as all of the actresses are, the best performance belongs to Penelope Cruz who shows a range that seemed non-existent in her English speaking endeavors. Surprisingly to me, Cruz is able to match the demands and shifts that Almodovar needs. She's funny, heart wrenching, and all together great. In the very least, Cruz would've provided at least some great eye candy for my first foray into the realm of Almodovar, but fortunately her physical appearance was the least impressive thing about this venture. Instead, it's Almodovar's palette, the acting, and overall range of the film that have made this film into a must see. Even more so, "Volver" made me excited to descend even further into  the mind of one of Spain's finest treasures.