The themes of life and death always evoke a sense of reverence and are often left unspoken, yet they are experiences that everyone must face. Have you ever considered, when life comes to an end, whether you would like to be the light beyond the last door, or if you hope someone will be your light?
This time, the contemporary Spanish film master and Venice Film Festival Golden Lion winner Pedro Almodóvar once again uses his signature delicate touch to bring people a moving work about friendship, life, and choices — “THE ROOM NEXT DOOR”.
This is not a story about goodbye, but a celebration of companionship in life. Earlier released in various regions, the film received a nearly 19-minute standing ovation from the audience at the 2024 Venice Film Festival and went on to win the Golden Lion Award; it was also highly praised and garnered enthusiastic reviews at its premiere at the Golden Horse Film Festival in Taiwan. What is the charm of this film?
Adapted from the bestselling novel “Tell Me, What Did You Suffer?”
The story of “The Neighbor’s Room” is adapted by director and screenwriter Pedro Almodóvar from the original work by American author Sigrid Nunez — “What Are You Going Through?”
This book, launched in 2020, garnered widespread attention in the literary world, earning accolades such as the New York Times Book Review’s Book of the Year and being listed among People magazine’s Top Ten Books of the Year. It was also recommended by Entertainment Weekly for that month, included in fall best book recommendations by The Observer and Time magazine, and recognized as one of USA Today’s Five Books You Can’t Miss and one of the Huffington Post’s Most Anticipated Top Ten Books of the Month, receiving continuous praise.
The story revolves around the protagonists Mafa (played by Tilda Swinton) and Yinggle (played by Julianne Moore), who became acquainted while working at the same magazine in their youth and eventually formed a close friendship. Later, Yinggle became an autobiographical novelist, while Mafa pursued a career as a war correspondent, leading them to drift apart. Years later, when they reunite, Mafa is gravely ill and, unable to endure the dual torment of experimental treatments on her mind and body, decides to end her life with medication. She rents a holiday cottage and invites Yinggle to stay in the adjacent room, hoping for her companionship during her final moments.
Exploring the topic of euthanasia
This director from Spain has always focused on expressing themes of desire, violence, and religion in his works, and through vibrant colors, he showcases a postmodern aesthetic vision and a profound disdain for authority.
Influenced heavily by early Hollywood films, the storyline revolves around women. He began producing short films at the age of 22; in 1980, he directed his debut feature “Pepi, Luci, Bom and Other Girls on the Heap,” for which he also wrote the screenplay. The story is rich with elements of culture and sexual freedom, garnering a devoted following among cult film enthusiasts. By 1988, he achieved recognition with “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown,” which earned him the Best Screenplay award at the Venice Film Festival and the Best Youth Film award at the European Film Awards, establishing him as one of Spain’s most popular emerging directors.
Afterward, his works have long focused on women, social outsiders, and the lower-middle class, exploring themes such as desire, love, death, familial relationships, and gender identity. Notable examples include: “My Mother” (Spanish: Todo sobre mi madre), “Talk to Her” (Spanish: Hable Con Ella), and “Volver” (Spanish: Volver). Coupled with a complex narrative style, his compositions are visually striking and rich in color, with plots that are highly exaggerated and dramatic, forming his unique style.
This time, in “The Room Next Door,” it precisely addresses the topic of euthanasia. When it comes to the separation of life and death, regardless of the type of relationship—be it love, family, or friendship—everyone will experience it. However, how to bid farewell to a loved one gracefully is, in fact, a profound and important subject.
Learning to recognize and accept death is indeed not easy. In the story, Martha chooses euthanasia, attempting to take control of the final autonomy of her life. The topic of euthanasia remains highly controversial around the world, struggling between the humble wishes of the terminally ill and moral reasoning, often clashing with religious and legal issues. Pedro Almodóvar also has different thoughts on this matter.
Pedro Almodóvar shares: “‘The Room Next Door’ describes how an old friendship reignites in an intimate yet extreme situation. Marta is about to die, and her friend Ingrid will learn a valuable lesson in life: to acknowledge and accept death, as long as it is determined by the person themselves; and ultimately, death is not an absolute end.” He further emphasizes, “Although the theme of death is omnipresent, I don’t want this film to feel overly sorrowful or cruel; it should have a sense of lightness and vitality.”
Although the story appears to be about the right to euthanasia, from another perspective, it is also interpreting the beauty of being alive in different ways.
Pedro Almodóvar’s English-feature debut.
For Pedro Almodóvar, “The Room Next Door” represents a new challenge and a new experiment, especially in terms of language; this is also his second collaboration with Tilda Swinton, who starred in his first English short film “The Human Voice.”
Having previously created works primarily in Spanish, his first foray into directing a feature film in English marks a significant breakthrough. Throughout the film, he maintains his distinctive style: amidst the extensive dialogue, he includes numerous philosophical quotations and even preserves many conversations rooted in a Spanish context. The character monologues are carefully crafted, allowing words to create narrative tension within the mundanity of daily life. Between the dialogues, the unique charm of different cultures can also be felt.
Oscar-winning actresses Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore’s first collaboration.
In the film, Tilda Swinton’s character, Ma, chooses to bid farewell to life in a serene holiday cabin; while Julianne Moore’s character, Ingrid, becomes the warmest light outside that door. Fate brings them together in their youthful days and reunites them in life’s most vulnerable moments. Beneath this minimalist, subtle, and delicate style, the film gently introduces a contemplation on life and death, while also emphasizing the significance of friendship and companionship.
Sometimes, accompanying someone doesn’t always require words; support and understanding are also a warm and powerful gesture.
It is worth mentioning that this is also the first collaboration between the two Oscar-winning actresses Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore. These two talented women convey the most profound emotional tension through their understated performances, interpreting a deep bond that transcends life and death, while also witnessing the final elegance and courage of life.
Tilda Swinton has shared in a magazine interview that she believes these two old friends did not fight side by side during the peak of their lives, but instead rebuilt their connection at the end of their journey, quietly accompanying each other through the few remaining days. This simple intimacy is an unparalleled happiness compared to love or familial bonds.
After filming, Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore also became close friends, appreciating their precious connection that came later in life.
When disease ruthlessly erodes life, how should we respond to the final request of a dear friend? Pedro Almodóvar skillfully focuses the lens on the “room next door,” allowing us to witness the most intimate and genuine moments of life’s choices from a distance through a door.
This is not just a movie about euthanasia, but also a profound reflection on human dignity and autonomy; it will make you cry, yet it won’t leave you feeling hopeless.
Life is impermanent, and time is fleeting. What is the most important thing to you in life?
Director, Screenwriter: “Talk to Her” Pedro Almodóvar
Actors: Oscar-winning Tilda Swinton from “Doctor Strange” and “Suspicion,” Oscar-winning Julianne Moore from “Still Alice” and “Moments of Love”
Producers: Agustin Almodovar from “Talk to Her,” Esther Garcia from “The Flower of My Secret”
Genre: Drama
Language: English
Duration: 107 minutes
Rating: IIB
Release Date: February 6, 2025
Source @warnerbroshk, official movie Facebook