Law of Desire

Pablo writes and directs plays and films. He is gay and deeply in love with Juan, a young man who does not return his affection or letters. Pablo’s sibling, Tina, is a trans woman—angry at men, raising Ada, and struggling to succeed as an actress. Pablo begins a relationship with Antonio, a young man who grows jealous of Juan. Antonio seeks out Juan, and the ensuing violence plunges Pablo into grief and temporary amnesia. When his memory returns, Pablo discovers that Antonio is now involved with Tina. Horrified, he rushes to Tina’s rescue and is forced to confront Antonio—and his own desire. Almodóvar argues that human desire is stronger than death, and through narrative excess, a touch of humor, and unconventional situations, he succeeds in tapping into the hidden fantasies of part of his audience.