The Room Next Door movie review: Pedro Almodóvar, a maestro of Spanish cinema renowned for his vibrant storytelling and complex characters, ventures into new linguistic territory with his English-language debut, “The Room Next Door” (2024). This film, an adaptation of Sigrid Nunez’s novel What Are You Going Through, delves deep into the themes of friendship, grief, and the human confrontation with mortality. Anchored by stellar performances from Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, Almodóvar crafts an emotionally resonant narrative that both honors his signature stylistic flair and explores new cinematic landscapes.
The Room Next Door movie review
At its core, “The Room Next Door” is a poignant two-hander that examines the rekindling of an estranged friendship under the shadow of impending death. Julianne Moore portrays Ingrid, a successful art-world author based in New York City, who attends a book signing where she reconnects with her long-lost friend, Martha, played by Tilda Swinton. Martha, a former war correspondent for the New York Times, is battling stage-three cervical cancer and is determined to take control of her destiny by planning her own death.
The narrative unfolds through a series of intimate conversations and flashbacks that reveal the depths of Ingrid and Martha’s past and the complexities of their present situation. As Martha shares her life story—her strained relationship with her daughter Michelle, the tragedy surrounding her high school sweetheart Fred, and her experiences as a war reporter—Ingrid becomes increasingly involved in her friend’s plan to end her life peacefully. This decision sets the stage for a profound exploration of what it means to support a loved one through their darkest hours.
THE ROOM NEXT DOOR – Official Trailer
Julianne Moore delivers a nuanced portrayal of Ingrid, embodying a character who is both empathetic and resilient. Moore’s performance serves as the audience’s surrogate, navigating the intricate emotional landscape of supporting a dying friend while grappling with her own fears of loss and mortality. Her ability to convey vulnerability without succumbing to it adds a layer of authenticity to Ingrid’s character, making her relatable and deeply human.
Tilda Swinton offers a monumental performance as Martha, capturing the inner turmoil of a woman who is simultaneously in control and overwhelmed by her impending death. Swinton’s portrayal is marked by a restrained grace, allowing subtle expressions and silences to communicate the profound sadness and strength that define Martha. Her ability to maintain a composed exterior while revealing flashes of raw emotion ensures that Martha remains a compelling and sympathetic character throughout the film.
The chemistry between Moore and Swinton is palpable, creating a believable and heartfelt dynamic that drives the narrative forward. Their interactions are marked by a delicate balance of tenderness and tension, reflecting the complexity of their rekindled friendship and the emotional stakes involved.
Pedro Almodóvar’s transition to English-language cinema does not detract from his distinctive directorial style. Instead, it brings a fresh dimension to his storytelling, blending his characteristic vibrancy with the nuances of American settings and sensibilities. Almodóvar’s direction in “The Room Next Door” is marked by his masterful use of color, composition, and narrative layering, which together create an immersive and visually stunning experience.
One of Almodóvar’s trademarks—his prodigious attention to color—is on full display in this film. The contrast between Ingrid’s cool blue apartment and Martha’s green-tinged, garden-adorned living space serves not only as a visual metaphor for their differing personalities but also enhances the emotional tone of their interactions. The vibrant palette, particularly the use of bold reds, echoes the intensity of the characters’ emotions and the underlying tensions of the plot.
Moreover, Almodóvar employs a narrative structure that intersperses flashbacks and incidental scenes with the present-day storyline. This layering adds depth to the characters’ backstories and enriches the audience’s understanding of their motivations and struggles. However, some critics have noted that the film’s narrative rhythm feels slightly restrained compared to Almodóvar’s earlier works, potentially leaving viewers longing for the unrestrained emotional explosions characteristic of films like “Talk to Her” or “All About My Mother.”
The cinematography, led by Eduard Grau, complements Almodóvar’s vibrant visual style with meticulous framing and dynamic camera movements. The decision to shoot both on sets and on location in Spain adds a unique texture to the film, blending the familiarity of American settings with Almodóvar’s European sensibilities. The use of lighting and color not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also serves to underscore the emotional states of the characters.
In particular, the upstate country setting near Woodstock, NY, where Ingrid and Martha rent a modernist vacation home, is captured with a dreamlike quality that oscillates between warmth and melancholy. The juxtaposition of indoor and outdoor spaces, coupled with the changing seasons, mirrors the characters’ internal journeys as they confront themes of life, death, and the enduring bonds of friendship.
“The Room Next Door” is a meditation on the fragility of life and the strength of human connections in the face of mortality. The film does not shy away from the harsh realities of death but instead presents them with a lyrical sensitivity that encourages viewers to reflect on their own relationships and fears. Almodóvar navigates these heavy themes with a delicate touch, ensuring that the film remains both emotionally impactful and intellectually engaging.
One of the film’s central themes is the ethical dilemma surrounding assisted dying. Martha’s decision to end her life is portrayed not as a mere plot device but as a profound personal choice that raises questions about autonomy, morality, and the limits of friendship. Ingrid’s role in supporting Martha’s plan challenges the audience to consider the depths of loyalty and the complexities of making such a consequential decision on behalf of a friend.
Additionally, the film explores the concept of memory and the passage of time. Through the characters’ recollections and the blending of past and present, Almodóvar highlights how past experiences shape present identities and influence the way individuals cope with impending loss. The tension between holding on and letting go is a recurring motif that drives the emotional core of the story.
“The Room Next Door” garnered significant attention at the Venice Film Festival, where it won the Golden Lion, marking Almodóvar’s first major European festival award. The film’s reception has been mixed among critics, with some praising its emotional depth and the powerhouse performances, while others feel it lacks the dynamic dialogue and unrestrained emotion typical of Almodóvar’s best works.
Despite the divided opinions, the film’s accolades attest to its artistic merit and the successful collaboration between Almodóvar and his cast. Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton’s performances have been particularly lauded, with many noting that their portrayals elevate the film’s emotional stakes and render the story profoundly moving.
In comparing “The Room Next Door” to Almodóvar’s previous works, it is evident that the director maintains his thematic preoccupations with human relationships, identity, and emotional resilience. However, the film diverges in its more restrained emotional expression and the exploration of more somber themes without the same level of flamboyance or dramatic intensity found in films like “Volver” or “The Skin I Live In.”
This shift may be attributed to the film’s intimate setting and the nature of its source material, which demands a more subdued and introspective approach. While some critics argue that this restraint results in a less impactful film, others appreciate the subtlety and the nuanced performances that such a setting allows.
Almodóvar’s decision to create an English-language film is a significant departure from his predominantly Spanish-language repertoire. This transition presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, it allows Almodóvar to reach a broader international audience and to experiment with new cultural contexts and character dynamics. On the other hand, it risks alienating his established fan base who are accustomed to his unique linguistic and cultural stylizations.
The film navigates this transition with a degree of success, leveraging the universal themes of friendship and mortality that transcend language barriers. However, some critics have noted that the English dialogue occasionally feels less natural, and certain character archetypes—such as the war photographer—appear somewhat stereotypical or clichéd within the American context. Despite these minor setbacks, Almodóvar’s distinctive visual and narrative style remains the film’s standout feature, ensuring that his signature touch is unmistakable.
While “The Room Next Door” primarily focuses on the dynamic between Ingrid and Martha, the supporting cast adds depth and complexity to the narrative. John Turturro’s portrayal of Damian, the man both women once dated, introduces additional layers of tension and nostalgia. His character’s pessimism about the world’s future contrasts sharply with Ingrid’s hopeful resilience, creating a dynamic interplay that enriches the main storyline.
The film also briefly explores Martha’s relationship with her daughter Michelle, portrayed in a way that underscores the emotional fallout of Martha’s life choices and career. These subplots, though not extensively developed, contribute to the overall emotional landscape of the film, highlighting the ripple effects of Martha’s impending death on those around her.
Almodóvar employs various cinematic techniques to enhance the storytelling and underscore the film’s themes. The use of flashbacks serves not only to provide backstory but also to juxtapose the characters’ past joys with their present struggles, emphasizing the inevitability of change and loss. The strategic placement of symbols, such as the contrasting color palettes and the modernist architecture of the rented house, further reinforces the emotional states of the characters.
Music also plays a crucial role in setting the tone of the film. The lush, omnipresent orchestral score complements the visual richness and adds an emotional undercurrent that guides the audience through the characters’ inner lives. This harmonious blend of auditory and visual elements creates an immersive atmosphere that is both captivating and emotionally charged.
“The Room Next Door” succeeds in creating an emotionally resonant experience that invites viewers to contemplate their own relationships and mortality. The film’s intimate setting and focus on character-driven storytelling allow for a deep emotional connection with the protagonists. Almodóvar’s ability to portray complex emotional landscapes without resorting to melodrama ensures that the film remains both impactful and authentic.
However, the film’s restrained emotional expression may not resonate with all audiences, particularly those who expect the more flamboyant and dramatic flair typical of Almodóvar’s earlier works. Nevertheless, for viewers open to a more subdued and introspective narrative, “The Room Next Door” offers a compelling and thought-provoking cinematic journey.
Summary
Pedro Almodóvar’s “The Room Next Door” marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career, showcasing his ability to adapt his storytelling prowess to a new linguistic and cultural context. Through the exceptional performances of Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, coupled with Almodóvar’s masterful direction and vibrant visual style, the film delivers a heartfelt exploration of friendship, grief, and the human confrontation with death.
While some critics may argue that the film lacks the dynamic dialogue and unrestrained emotion of Almodóvar’s most celebrated works, “The Room Next Door” stands as a testament to his versatility and enduring ability to evoke deep emotional responses. It is a quiet yet moving meditation on the lengths we go to support those we love and the inevitable truths we must all face about mortality.
In the broader context of Almodóvar’s oeuvre, this film represents both continuity and evolution. It maintains his thematic focus on complex human emotions and relationships while embracing a new narrative and linguistic landscape. As such, “The Room Next Door” not only enriches Almodóvar’s body of work but also invites audiences to engage with universal themes through a fresh and introspective lens.
Ultimately, “The Room Next Door” is a beautifully crafted film that combines emotional depth with visual splendor, offering a profound and memorable cinematic experience. It challenges viewers to reflect on their own friendships and mortality, leaving a lasting impression that lingers long after the credits roll.
Top 5 Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
The insistence on political and ethical declarations not only forecloses the possibility of audience interpretation but defuses Almodóvar’s ribald sense of humor, swapping out playful provocation for hectoring – Adam Nayman, The New Republic
Lacks the power of Almodóvar’s autobiographical Pain and Glory. It’s a strange, baggy thing, emblematised by an exchange between Moore’s character and her doomsayer ex-boyfriend that could be mistaken for philosophical treatises – Tara Brady, Irish Times
See The Room Next Door for its stunning mid-century architecture, chic interior design, and for Swinton’s enviable euthanasia wardrobe. But don’t expect to feel much of anything, unless you have an unhealthy passion for colour-blocked chunky knitwear – Wendy Ide, Observer (UK)
As extravagant and engrossing and doggedly mysterious as anything he has done recently, with luxuriously self-aware performances from Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, and an undertow of darkness often overlooked by yeasayers and naysayers – Peter Bradshaw, Guardian
What is there to care about? Why do these two women matter? Where is that knitwear from? Spoiler alert: no answers are forthcoming – Deborah Ross, The Spectator
Top Movie Ratings
| Metacritic | 69% |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 86% |
| IMDb | 7/10 |
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