Spanish auteur Pedro Almodóvar ventures into English-language cinema for the first time with ‘The Room Next Door’, a contemplative drama based on Sigrid Nunez’s novel ‘What Are You Going Through’.
With a stellar cast led by Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, the film explores themes of friendship, mortality, and euthanasia, presenting a visually striking yet emotionally restrained meditation on life’s final chapter.
Despite its compelling premise, ‘The Room Next Door’ struggles with clunky dialogue, a detached tone, and uneven storytelling, making it a polarizing addition to Almodóvar’s illustrious filmography.
Plot Summary. The story follows Ingrid (Moore), a best-selling author, who reconnects with her estranged friend Martha (Swinton), a war journalist diagnosed with terminal cervical cancer. Determined to take control of her fate, Martha decides to spend her final days at a remote retreat, requesting Ingrid’s companionship as she prepares for her assisted death.
As the two women reflect on memories, regrets, and existential dilemmas, their bond deepens in unexpected ways. The film touches on philosophical and ethical debates surrounding euthanasia, exploring how religion, law, and personal autonomy intersect in end-of-life decisions.
A Visually Stunning Film. One of ‘The Room Next Door’s’ undeniable strengths is its cinematography and production design. Almodóvar’s signature use of bold colors, meticulously arranged interiors, and carefully framed shots transforms the screen into a visual masterpiece. The contrast between serene landscapes and heavy subject matter adds depth to the film’s atmosphere.
The costume and set design further enhance the film’s aesthetic appeal, making each frame look like a piece of modern art. Even in moments of despair, the film remains beautifully composed.
Additionally, John Turturro’s supporting role features an interesting monologue on climate change, offering a unique thematic layer to the narrative.
Emotionally Hollow and Script Problems. While the film’s visuals and themes are striking, its emotional core feels distant. Surprisingly, even with two powerhouse performers, the film lacks genuine emotional weight.
Tilda Swinton’s performance, while poised and elegant, comes across as too mannered. Compared to Javier Bardem’s raw portrayal in ‘The Sea Inside’ (2004)—another film about assisted death—Swinton’s detached delivery leaves much to be desired.
The dialogue is stilted and over-explained, making interactions feel more like philosophical lectures than organic conversations.
The pacing is slow, with several scenes dragging on without deepening the emotional connection between the characters.
The script’s geographical inconsistencies also raise questions—why does a house supposedly located a short drive from New York suddenly feel like a remote Spanish retreat? These details, while minor, disrupt the film’s realism.
Additionally, flashback scenes, particularly those involving Martha’s youth and her estranged daughter, feel awkwardly staged and detract from the film’s focus.
LionhearTV‘s verdict: A Missed Opportunity. ‘The Room Next Door’ had the potential to be a deeply moving exploration of life and death, but its overly self-conscious execution prevents it from reaching its full emotional impact. While Almodóvar’s stylistic trademarks remain intact, the film ultimately lacks soul, feeling more like a beautifully curated exhibit rather than a deeply affecting story.
For those who appreciate Almodóvar’s visual artistry, ‘The Room Next Door’ is still worth watching, but don’t expect the emotional resonance of his previous masterpieces like ‘Talk to Her’ or ‘All About My Mother’.
This film will likely appeal more to Almodóvar completists and arthouse cinema lovers, but for the average viewer, its detached performances and lackluster storytelling make it a challenging and underwhelming watch.
Director: Pedro Almodóvar
Starring: Julianne Moore, Tilda Swinton, John Turturro
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 117 minutes
Rating: ⭐⭐½
A visually striking but emotionally underwhelming film that struggles to balance style with substance.
