In the opening sequence you see a young female (Elena Anaya) in a type of skin-tight bodysuit stretching in various ways. It invites the spectator to marvel at the beauty and elegance of the female's body. This sequence sets the tone for this film, in which Almodóvar once again aesthetically explores female sexuality and gives it a good twist.
The story has been divided into two main parts: the past and the present. It starts off in the present, establishing the first set of key characters Vera (Elena), Robert (Banderas) and Marilia (Marisa Paredes). Marilia is a servant of plastic surgeon Robert, who appears to be looking after one of his patients in a monitored room in his house. We learn that he is a committed surgeon, yearning to discover a way to protect skin, even if it means crossing moral lines. Marilia later tells Vera, who had just been involved in a vile attack at the house, the story of Roberts family, including a revelation of her own family secret. His wife, who had suffered from severe burn scarring from a car accident, and his daughter Norma (Blanca Suárez), who faced horrors growing up witnessing her mother's demise and experiencing her own. The revelation explains the doctors pursuit of finding a way to protect skin from fire.
A trip to the past shows the doctor and his daughter at a social event. It is indicated that seeing Norma at such an event is a rare occasion and that she was still learning to cope with the horrific events involving her mother. As she enjoys the evening with some girl friends, she spots Vicente across the room, who meets her eyes. Both later venture into the garden with their friends, but end up left alone. What started as a romantic night under the stars ended in Robert finding his daughter unconscious under a tree.
Just as his wife's burns were a drive to keep researching for fire-defying skin, the incident with his already emotionally fragile daughter triggered another motivation in him. The latter is the key element to the shocking twist of Almodóvar's piece, as we learn of Vera's true identity. We watch as Robert ignores sense of moral and is fuelled by a concoction of heartbreak and revenge.
Almodóvar created a beautiful yet unnerving environment. The somewhat disturbing storyline is counteracted by the aesthetic visuals, mainly focussing on Vera's flawless and almost serene appearance. Male characters within the story are portrayed with a negative tendency. Vicente, Vera's attacker and even Robert. It suggests Almodóvar's fascination and sympathy with female figures, as viewers find it easier to empathise with them. Almodóvar's emphasis on the female form is one of his trademarks, since most his films incorporate strong female characters and exploration of sexuality.
Banderas gives a great performance, capturing Robert's disillusioned sanity. Anaya was challenged with portraying two characters with different mannerisms, which she mastered brilliantly. Almodóvar once again successfully created a film that shows humanity, relations as well as horrors. The twist to the story is brilliant, even if it seems a little far-fetched. Amazing connection between all characters, it makes the film flow. If you're not too lazy to read subtitles (Almodóvar's directions almost speak for themselves, but the subtitle are good for details): definitely give this film a go!
Here's a trailer:
