next room It is a short story in English that is sharp, sobering and darkly funny. Pedro Almodóvar's first feature filmAs it stands, his last two titles – short films human voice (2020) and strange way of life (2023) — Also filmed in English. And if these films are teasers for a new level of Almodóvar’s work, next room This film is a true confirmation of the many exciting things that the Spanish writer and director, now in his fifties behind the camera, has to offer. His film, which recently premiered in North America, was screened at Toronto International Film FestivalAlmodóvar contemplates death, perhaps even embraces it, but in doing so, Almodóvar effectively emphasizes the need to embrace life and joy.
Adapted from the novel What are you going through? By Sigrid Nunez, next roomThe film follows best-selling author Ingrid (Julianne Moore) who finds herself in New York City to celebrate the launch of her new book, which is about her fear of death. As fate would have it, Ingrid discovers that her dear friend Martha (Tilda Swinton), a former war correspondent, has terminal cancer and is undergoing experimental treatments. It had been years since the two women had been together, but they renewed their relationship as if no time had passed..
Unfortunately, Martha's chemotherapy has failed, her cancer has spread, and she has only a few months to live. Determined to find her way out of this predicament, Martha decides to resort to euthanasia, asking Ingrid to be “in the next room” when it happens. What follows is a tug-of-war between the two women as they meet in another room. Reflect on life's biggest questions, regrets, accomplishments, and of course, secrets..
Everything you want in a Pedro Almodóvar movie
Fans of Almodóvar's Spanish films can rest assured that the director's visual trademarks continue to next roomThe film is a kaleidoscope of bold colors, from deep reds to vibrant greens, thanks to production designer Inbal Weinberg and cinematographer Edward Grau. Weinberg makes both Ingrid and Martha’s homes feel warm and welcoming, and every shot by Grau feels like a living tableau, each welcoming us into the world of the two women—and, for that matter, their friendship—as if we were also meeting old friends. It’s a striking contrast to the conversations surrounding the courtyard that Ingrid and Martha constantly engage in, effectively reinforcing the inherent tension between life and death.
Of course, a film about death, and a film by Pedro Almodóvar in general, wouldn't be complete without a bit of melodrama, and here, the director leans into it, but he also offers a greater degree of flexibility for the melodrama. next room The film is filled with events like Martha’s discovery of a universal truth about life, the choices we make, and the consequences we face, heightening the emotional stakes of her choice to kill herself. At the same time, Almodóvar doesn’t shy away from moments of quiet contemplation, even hesitation, especially when it comes to Ingrid, who struggles to be a supportive friend. Overall, the script is a symphony, but the beautiful notes don’t go unnoticed.
Amazing chemistry between Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton
Of course, it's Moore and Swinton who lift it up. next room Moore brings a tenderness and vulnerability to Ingrid as she confronts her greatest fears, deftly shifting between loyalty to her friend and a natural inclination for self-preservation. She stands by Martha, neither pitying her nor blaming her for her anxiety.
Likewise, Swinton is superb, giving an undeniably magnetic performance as Martha. She embodies strength and resilience even in the face of death and decay, and what’s even more impressive is that she finds moments of light in Martha’s dark situation, extracting humor and relief so that the film never sinks into gloom.
Both Moore and Swinton's characters represent conflicting ideals in next roomSince they are often alone together in scenes, watching these two clash in ideology and philosophy is like watching a live tennis match between two heroes—each bringing out the best in the other. Yet the film truly sings when they are in harmony.
For more information about next room And TIFF 2024, visit the festival website for details.
