Almodóvar's first feature film in English, it is a cinematic adaptation of the novel The Friend by Sigrid Nunez.
Pedro Almodóvar and Tilda Swinton - Credits: Marco Lorè
"The Room Next Door" is a 2024 film directed by Pedro Almodóvar and stars Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore.
The Room Next Door had its world premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, where it won the Golden Lion for Best Film.
Martha and Ingrid, once very close friends who drifted apart after an argument, meet again after many years.
Ingrid has become a successful autofiction author, while Martha, a war correspondent suffering from terminal cervical cancer, returns to Martha life asking for help with assisted suicide.
Pedro Almodóvar and Tilda Swinton - Credits: Marco Lorè
Pedro Almodóvar and Tilda Swinton - Credits: Marco Lorè
With this film, Pedro Almodóvar satirizes what he perhaps sees as the rigid and apprehensive social conventions of the new generations.
Nevertheless, even this comedic scene is sad.
However, the film does not aim to depress its audience.
Instead, it is cathartic and invigorating to witness these frightening topics being discussed and transformed into delicate poetry.
It is a true act of communion: Almodóvar draws us close to tell us that yes, yes, he too shares our same painful unease; but perhaps it is a little less sad, a little less frightening when we are reminded of how common it is, and that in a certain sense, we are all heading toward the exit together.
Pedro Almodóvar - Credits: Marco Lorè
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