"Julieta" is Pedro Almodovar at his complex and colorful best.

For 20 films now, Spain's Pedro Almodovar has been enthralling movie audiences and pushing the boundaries of cinema. Whether the genre is comedy, melodrama, or even thriller, Almodovar always remembers that character is story. "Julieta" is his newest endeavor and it's based on three short stories by Alice Munro. And the central character here is so complex, it takes two actresses to play her.

Julieta (Emma Suarez) is in a funk, still carrying the baggage from her past and how it ruined the relationship with her daughter. The younger Julieta (Adriana Ugarte) from decades ago was a vital woman, so what happened to her? Almodovar explores these mysteries with his expert attention to narrative twists, nuanced characterization, and vivid production design. It's one of his best films, and though it may be subtitled, its message about love and forgiveness speaks to all of us.