The Room Next Door

There are few filmmakers as consistently remarkable as Pedro Almodóvar over the last twenty-plus years. With films like All About My Mother, Talk to Her, Pain and Glory, and Parallel Mothers, Almodóvar has told incredible stories. However, those stories were in his native language of Spanish, which might have limited the reach of his films for some audiences. With his new film, The Room Next Door, Almodóvar delivers his first English-language film, and one thing is certain: no matter the language, he still tells extraordinary stories.

Ingrid (Julianne Moore) is a successful writer who, at a book signing celebrating her latest release, reconnects with an old friend. The friend mentions a mutual acquaintance, Martha (Tilda Swinton), who is battling cancer. Encouraged to visit Martha, Ingrid keeps her promise and goes to the hospital, where she finds Martha seemingly content and hopeful about a new treatment. However, the illness has prompted Martha to reflect on her life, and her conversations with Ingrid bring many regrets to light.

Martha’s greatest regret centers on her daughter, Michelle, with whom she had a strained relationship due to unresolved questions about Michelle’s father. As Ingrid and Martha continue meeting, their bond deepens, and Martha confides in Ingrid about her decision to end her life on her terms, once it becomes clear that recovery is not in sight. Martha asks Ingrid to accompany her to a serene location where she plans to die, with Ingrid supporting her from the next room. Out of love and loyalty, Ingrid agrees, setting the stage for a poignant exploration of friendship, mortality, and closure.

Written by Almodóvar and based on a novel by Sigrid Nunez, The Room Next Door is a contemplative and emotionally charged narrative about the practical and psychological preparation for death. It is brought to life by two of the greatest actresses of our time. The chemistry between Moore and Swinton is palpable, with Ingrid’s empathetic strength and Martha’s vulnerability creating a striking and memorable dynamic. Their performances imbue the film with an intensity and depth that feel both authentic and profound.

Almodóvar’s approach to difficult topics like death is handled with remarkable sensitivity and dignity, elevating the film into a deeply human experience.

The Room Next Door once again demonstrates why Almodóvar is unparalleled as a filmmaker, refusing to adhere to conventional storytelling and instead crafting a deeply personal and unforgettable story. The friendship at the heart of this film is nuanced and touching, lingering in the mind long after the credits roll. While the film has its flaws—occasionally feeling a bit “clunky”—its emotional resonance far outweighs its imperfections.

Watching an Almodóvar film is an immersive experience, where the real world melts away and you are drawn into his unique universe, filled with vibrant colors and striking costumes (here designed beautifully by Bina Daigler). This artistry is why Almodóvar is celebrated not only as a storyteller but also as a visual master.

With The Room Next Door, he gives two outstanding actresses a stage to deliver extraordinary performances, offering audiences a moving and beautifully crafted exploration of friendship and the human spirit.