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Jul 22, 2017Nursebob rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
A woman’s obsessive search for the grown daughter who inexplicably walked out of her life thirteen years ago forms the backbone of Pedro Almodóvar’s latest opus. Culled from three Alice Munro short stories it explores the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship made brittle by guilty secrets and unspoken resentment. Like all Almodóvar’s work the colours are ravishing, the dialogue pure Madrid melodrama, and the narrative is given added meaning through the use of strategically placed artwork. But one can’t escape the pervasive sense of déjà vu that hangs from every frame as all those trademark close-ups and dramatic voiceovers take on a tired familiarity. It would appear the master’s creative engine is revving in neutral—but even so "Julieta" still stands taller than most multiplex offerings. Perhaps the world is finally ready for that "Women on the Verge…" sequel?