#REVIEW: “THE ROOM NEXT DOOR”

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Ingrid (Julianne Moore) and Martha (Tilda Swinton) were close friends in their youth when they worked at the same magazine. However, as they grew-up and developed their own careers, they naturally grew apart. When Ingrid runs into an old colleague from the magazine, she asks about Martha. She learns Martha has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. This leads the two to meet again in this extreme, tender situation after years of being out of touch.

Many have been speaking of The Room Next Door as Auteur Pedro Almodóvar’s first English language film. Yet, as fans of the polished Director already know, Almodóvar has his cinematic language regardless of what language his characters are speaking. Although we will admit, as his first English-language Script, the dialogue here comes off stilted at times. It’s Almodóvar’s delicate understanding of the human condition (his cinematic language) that allows him to tackle the tough topic of Euthanasia for the big screen.

This Golden Lion winner tells many sides of the Euthanasia debate. The Room Next Door is a two-hander film. The majority of it takes place with Ingrid and Martha discussing why Martha wants to end her life. Martha explains it’s about going on her terms. Where she wants and when. Swinton is mesmerizing as a woman in control of her destiny. The conversations she has with Ingrid allow the audience to expand their understanding of this situation, both for those making the decision and their affected loved ones.

The beginning of The Room Next Door takes a while to settle into. We’re focused on dialogue, and conversation. The casting of Moore and Swinton is integral. They’re masters of their craft, making us hang onto their every word. We watch this story through Moore’s empathetic eyes. A woman who is terrified of death and being asked to be there when her friend dies. By the Second Act, we’ve settled into the film’s rhythm and are hooked until the credits roll.

Some may consider this topic bleak. They’d assume the Cinematography would be devoid of colour. Yet, Almodóvar goes in the opposite direction. The Cinematography and Production Design are full of vibrant colours. Thus, allowing life in every frame of a film about death. Without giving much away, the most prominent production design is the red door of Martha’s bedroom.

The Room Next Door is a stunning film about mortality that shows what it’s like for the dying and those they leave behind.

Mongrel Media release THE ROOM NEXT DOOR on Friday, January 10, 2025.