In some ways, it’s a typical Almodovar/Cruz movie: love, sex, relationships, complications. But let’s face it, I really like most Almodovar movies anyway. Why?

• They are set in Spain.
• They speak Castillian, sounding almost as nice as my Spanish husband.
• They are generally both uplifting and depressing, with a bit of humor sprinkled in.
• He (or they, I should say) generally gets really good actors. And lets face it, Penélope Cruz has come a long way from Jamón Jamón, not that that was a bad movie itself.

On top of that, this had some great intrigue that kept you guessing, and some really intricate, layered characters.

Overall, highly recommended.