Few movies stars can bridge the divide between Europe and the U.S. as effortlessly as Penélope Cruz. Though she continues to appear in American studio flicks like “Zoolander 2” and“The Brothers Grimsby,” Cruz’s bread and butter are the Spanish dramas in which she stars.
Her next one in that oeuvre, “Ma ma,” looks to stretch her acting chops even further as a woman facing a health crisis. The trailer captures a “smiling through the tears” ambiance. And it looks as though “Ma ma” will pull off that feeling without dipping into cheesy territory.
According to the film’s official synopsis, “Ma ma” follows Magda (Cruz), “as she experiences tragedies and miracles alike. Just as Magda is diagnosed with breast cancer, she meets Arturo (Luis Tosar), a devoted husband and father in the midst of unspeakable loss. Their chance encounter leads both down a path of strength, grace, love, and rebirth.”
“Ma ma” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and will open in New York on May 20 and Los Angeles and Miami on May 27. A national expansion will follow.
