A workaholic since his beginnings as a filmmaker, Pedro Almodóvar’s new film addresses a delicate subject, even very (too) taboo still in the 21e century. Accompanied by a tandem that is both sweet, funny but also morbid, his new melodrama surprises with its authenticity.
Ingrid is busy promoting book signings in New York shortly after the publication of her latest work on the subject of death. Comfortably installed in a bookstore where people are flocking to see her, she will be surprised to come across a long-lost friend. Who will take advantage during the autograph to tell him that their old mutual friend Martha is in the terminal phase of uterine cancer. For many years, Martha and Ingrid felt very close while working for the same magazine. Visiting her, the author will quickly, and a little despite herself, be drawn into the progress of Martha’s medical care. During their meetings, they will remember old anecdotes, memories and current desires. One day Martha asked Ingrid to support her in her anticipated death by accompanying her to the countryside. The agreement will be accepted and the 2 women will therefore learn to live together a little before the planned suicide…
Based on the book by American Sigrid Nunez entitled “What is your torment?” », “The Room Next Door” turns out to be the very first production in the English language of the multitasking filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar. However, he shot a major part of his film in… Spain.
Indeed, a few rare sequences did indeed take place in New York. But most of them took place in Madrid and above all, in the incredible place of life called Casa Szoke. Fabulous because of its architecture, but also thanks to its location in the countryside.
This villa also remains very important because it can be perceived as a character. Indeed, more than half of the plot takes place within her walls and she therefore silently follows and accompanies her two other “colleagues”, namely Tilda Swinton (“The French Dispatch”) and Julianne Moore (“Welcome to Sububircon”). “).
Moreover, the alchemy between the two actresses works wonderfully. Their agreements-disagreements continue to enhance the plot of “The Room Next Door” sometimes leading to a situation that is a little more amusing and above all lightening the dramatic atmosphere of this fiction.
Because the underlying subject remains serious, complex and heavy to bear for all the people really affected by such a situation. Whether it is those wishing to die or those assisting in prepared suicide.
Organized or not, a voluntary death always remains extremely difficult to support, even with exceptional associative support such as “Exit” in Switzerland. However, the number of suicides in the world, close to a million, is frightening and most are unfortunately carried out.
In this regard and without revealing too much, the plot of “The Room Next Door” will not guide curious spectators of this somewhat morbid fiction, on the possible or impossible death depending on the uncertainties of the protagonists . Rather on the way in which the before and after supervision takes place.
More in the background but also with a certain importance, “Damian” played by John Turturro (“Hands of Stone”), will also be impacted by this strange and nevertheless very human situation. This in particular because he knows the 2 women, but in different ways…
If “The Room Next Door” is reminiscent of certain Woody Allen feature films (“Coup de chance”) and asserts itself through a refined style through a subject that is still too taboo, the final scene resembles a botched ending . It disappoints and unnecessarily lengthens the plot because of the “double role” giving the impression of being half assumed by the production.
Ultimately, this production is not aimed at a wide audience or children. Because its subjects, close to melodrama and very serious, will not interest spectators who prefer action or horror films, for example.
However, “The Room Next Door” allows for a sincere and deep introspection regarding each person’s choices regarding assisted suicide and its impacts. A rather painful fiction to discover at the start of the new year 2025, but necessary in current society.
The Room Next Door
ESP – USA – 2024
Duration: 1h47 min
Drama
Director: Pedro Almodóvar
Avec: Julianne Moore, Tilda Swinton, John Turturro, Alessandro Nivola, Victoria Luengo, Juan Diego Botto, Esther McGregor
Pathé Films Switzerland
01/08/2025 at the cinema
