There really wasn't a single theme but a multiplicity of them. Sounds to me like you walked into the theatre with a fixed idea of what the film was about. A film that would have met your expectations has recently been released on dvd: The Boys of St. Vincent. Not to be missed.
I do not walk into a theater with any expectations. That would not allow me to be in present time and to report on my experience, which I pride myself in doing. In fact, I had very little idea what this was about, except that I heard it was a very good film.

Almodovar has said exactly the opposite on a different occasion, saying that the story was true except for specific details.