“[Maura is] in magnificent form... For those of us who have loved Carmen Maura since the first of her seven features with Pedro Almodóvar 45 years ago, watching her expressive face is its own wondrous reward... The movie is a sweet star showcase that belongs unequivocally to the incandescent Maura, whose earthy naturalness, sly humor, and tenacious spirit feed a direct link back to her Almodóvarian glory days.” – David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter
“Touzani gives Maura a wonderful part to embody. Maria is a wonderfully textured character, at turns flinty and cold and vivacious and funny, and Maura is adept at embodying all sides to this woman.” – Wilson Chapman, IndieWire
Opens April 10 | In a Spanish-speaking enclave of Tangier, widowed Maria—Almodóvar leading lady Carmen Maura (WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN)—loves her life on Calle Malaga, with her friendly neighbors, grocers, and café owners who know her routines, and a large flat filled with treasured belongings. But when her daughter Clara, the legal owner of the flat who is facing divorce and financial crisis back in Spain, insists on selling it—Maria is relegated to either live-in grandma status or a retirement home. Maria’s spunky (and wickedly humorous) obstinance and Clara’s mid-life desperation are both affecting, revealing as much of Maria’s vibrancy as her hardened entitlement and maternal shortcomings. A universal tragicomedy, offering compassion for today's aging parents and their adult children. (Film Forum) Siskel Film Center exclusive.
Awards & Nominations
Official Selection - 50th Toronto International Film Festival
Official Selection - 82nd Venice Film Festival
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu