Under Almodóvar’s Wing: Milena Smit’s Meteoric Rise

Milena Smit’s rapid ascent from model to co-lead in Pedro Almodóvar’s Oscar-nominated Parallel Mothers, opposite Penélope Cruz, is a testament to her remarkable talent. Her journey began with an Instagram discovery and has culminated in a Goya Award nomination and a starring role in Amarga Navidad (Bitter Christmas), the Spanish director’s 24th feature film.

Smit’s career trajectory finds her sandwiched between two artistic titans: Almodóvar, who has written a role specifically for her in Bitter Christmas, and Chloé Zhao, whose Hamnet serves as a benchmark for Smit’s own ambitions. This delicate balance requires Smit to reconcile the serendipity of her entry into acting with the high standards set by these directors.

Bitter Christmas is a prime example of Almodóvar’s continued relevance in contemporary cinema. The film’s meta storytelling and exploration of grief, death, and mortality – all themes Almodóvar has tackled before – demonstrate his enduring influence on cinematic narrative. Smit’s character, Natalia, embodies this complexity as she struggles to contain her pain while navigating relationships with Elsa (Bárbara Lennie) and Raúl (Leonardo Sbaraglia). Her portrayal demands vulnerability, depth, and a willingness to confront the unseen – qualities Smit has demonstrated an impressive aptitude for.

What’s striking about Smit’s collaboration with Almodóvar is not just his long-standing tradition of writing roles specifically for his actresses but also the trust he places in them. This is evident in Smit’s descriptions of her time on set: “Pedro gives you a whole day to shoot one sequence… He has energy all the way to the end of the day.” Almodóvar’s approach speaks to his reputation for pushing actors beyond their comfort zones, often yielding remarkable performances.

Smit acknowledges the lack of formal training and her reliance on instinct. Her words convey quiet confidence, underscoring the idea that sometimes it takes more than just talent to succeed in this industry. “I was so lost before doing this,” she recalls, “because I don’t have any vocation.” This sentiment resonates with many who’ve followed similar paths, often driven by circumstance rather than deliberate choice.

Smit’s willingness to learn from her experiences and recognize the privilege of working with Almodóvar is admirable. As she prepares for the Cannes Film Festival premiere of Amarga Navidad and looks ahead to future projects like Spanish Western Trinidad, it’s clear that her dedication will be put to the test once more. For those who’ve followed her journey thus far, there’s an unmistakable sense of anticipation – not just for what’s next but also for how Smit will continue to evolve as an artist under Almodóvar’s guidance.

As she takes to the Palais steps alongside Almodóvar, Milena Smit will undoubtedly be reminded of the incredible journey that has brought her to this moment. It’s a testament not just to her talent but also to the serendipity and trust that have defined her collaboration with one of cinema’s greatest directors.