Leo, a middle-aged writer of popular romantic novels who writes under a pseudonym, despises her own work. At home she is also miserable. Her husband, who works overseas, is distant both physically and emotionally. Yet the appearance of a new editor offers an opportunity for Leo to reassess her life.

Wrongly considered minor Almodóvar, The Flower of My Secret discreetly blossoms not only as a uniquely harmonic blend of restraint and sentiment, but also as one of the master’s most underrated triumphs. Marisa Paredes is superb, and Pedro’s sophisticated use of artifice and melodrama just glorious.