In the world of cinema, stories that focus on death are not very common, and those that intertwine themes of death with sex are even rarer. This is where Pedro Almodóvar’s new film, “The Room Next Door,” stands out. It marks the celebrated Spanish director’s first venture into English-language filmmaking.
The film stars Julianne Moore as Ingrid, a successful author who has just released a book centered on the topic of death. During a book signing event in New York, she learns about an old friend’s battle with cancer. This friend, Martha Hunt, is played by Tilda Swinton and is a war correspondent. With deep concern for her friend, Ingrid rushes to the hospital to reconnect with Martha after years apart.
As Martha’s health declines, a difficult conversation unfolds. She expresses a wish for Ingrid to help her with assisted euthanasia, believing that “the cancer can’t get me if I get the cancer first.” Martha has reached out to others for help, but none were willing. With a sense of camaraderie and a hint of conspiracy surrounding their decision, the friends venture to a modern home in upstate New York for Martha’s final moments, where she hopes to find comfort in Ingrid’s presence.
The film, whose title references Virginia Woolf’s famous work, explores themes of dignity and acceptance regarding death as an inevitable part of life. It also sheds light on the importance of relationships that resonate the most in our lives. Both women share a connection through a former lover, portrayed by John Turturro. His character reflects on pressing issues like environmental concerns while reminiscing about his past with Martha in a somewhat flippant manner, stating it felt “like having sex with a terrorist – it always felt like the last time.”
Almodóvar’s signature style continues to shine in “The Room Next Door,” mixing serious themes with a hint of levity. While some of the film’s elements feel a bit dramatized, especially in flashbacks, the core dynamic between Moore and Swinton remains engaging. Their chemistry brings life to Martha’s character, who, even when faced with death, cherishes simple pleasures like conversation and companionship.
Scheduled to hit theaters, “The Room Next Door” is rated PG-13 for its thematic content, strong language, and some sexual references. With a runtime of 110 minutes, it invites viewers into a poignant narrative about choosing how to live—right up to the very end.
