High Heels

I knew this one would be an uncharacteristically straight drama going in, but I was surprised by the trite evolution of the story, ending in a twist I swear I’ve seen five or six times already. That aside, it is still a compelling story of maternal sacrifice and filial loyalty, disguised for years by human selfishness and pride, and brought to the fore again only by — what else? — lust, murder, and mayhem. (Even so, he did this more satisfyingly in Volver.) It is not without its Almodovar flourishes, but on the whole it is pretty serious, brought to life by performances from a couple fabulous Almo ladies.