Something of a departure for the director, this mother-daughter melodrama saw him taking a more straightforward approach to his material than before. When first we meet television newscaster Rebeca (Victoria Abril), she is in Madrid airport awaiting the return of her estranged mother Becky (Marisa Paredes), a famous singer who she hasn’t seen in 15 years. Rebeca’s husband Manuel is a former lover of Becky’s, and his ardour for her is renewed when they meet again. While they begin an affair, Rebeca meets and sleeps with Letal (Miguel Bosé). When Rebeca confesses to her husband’s murder on live television and is imprisoned, help comes from an unexpected source.

Multi-layered and surprisingly poignant, the film reaffirmed Almodóvar’s interest in strong female characters while signposting to the greater emotional depth of his subsequent work.

The IFI’s Focus on Pedro Almodóvar runs at the IFI from April 2nd to 24th. We are delighted to host a preview of Pedro Almodóvar’s new film I’m So Excited followed by a satellite Q&A with the director on April 23rd at 18.30. I’m So Excited opens at the IFI on May 3rd.