What Have I Done to Deserve This? – A Kaleidoscope of Chaos and Camaraderie

Grab a cuppa, let’s dissect “What Have I Done to Deserve This?”—a Pedro Almodóvar flick from ’84. Now, if you’re thinkin’ this is a quiet, introspective ride, you’re in for a shock. This film’s an explosion of color, madness, and, well, a bit of head-scratching.

The always fab Carmen Maura takes the lead as Gloria, a housewife juggling her bizarre household. Not every day you see someone nail the chaos of a dysfunctional family with wit and that Spanish charm, you know? Almodóvar, famous for making us feel all kinds of ways, doesn’t hold back in this one. His knack for mixing melodrama with a hint of slapstick comedy is—how do I put it—uniquely unforgettable.

I remember the first time I saw this gem, I was lounging in a tiny Stockholm apartment, munching on knäckebröd—feeling those chaotic vibes through a 14-inch screen. The allure of the neighbors, the weird-yet-wonderful relations, took me right back to times when I used to eavesdrop on our lägenhet courtyard’s relentless gossip.

It’s not perfect, that’s for sure. Sometimes the narrative feels like your grandma’s knitting—trying to find the right thread in the knot. Some scenes left me wondering if I missed a blink. But hey, maybe that’s Almodóvar’s genius at play, turning confusion into art.

And those moments, though, when you see yourself in the mundanity and absurdity of it all—brilliant. Who hasn’t stared at a pile of dishes, questioning their life choices?

So, is it a laugh-out-loud comedy or a dramatic eye-opener? Maybe it’s a blend of both, like a strange yet satisfying glass of lingonberry juice at a sommarstuga. A movie that makes you chuckle, cringe, and think, often all at once. Watch it—preferably with friends. You’ll want to talk about it long after the credits roll.

Check the trailer below