Pedro Almodóvar’s much-anticipated The Room Next Door (La habitación de al lado) hit Spanish cinemas on October 18, 2024, to both critical and commercial success. For fans of Almodóvar’s iconic style—his vivid color palettes, complex female characters, and emotionally rich narratives—this film is a milestone in his career. It marks his full-length English-language debut, an adaptation of Sigrid Nunez’s novel What Are You Going Through, with Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton at the helm of its emotional core.

The film’s premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 2, 2024, where it won the prestigious Golden Lion, was the first time a Spanish film had been awarded the festival’s top honor. With a limited U.S. release planned for December, the buzz surrounding the film is intensifying. As we explore The Room Next Door and Almodóvar’s top films—particularly those favored by its stars Moore and Swinton—one thing becomes clear: this film is a deeply personal project, blending universal themes with the filmmaker’s unmistakable style.

Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton in ‘The Room Next Door’. Courtesy Sony Pictures Classics

The Story Behind The Room Next Door

At its heart, The Room Next Door tells the story of two estranged friends, Ingrid (played by Julianne Moore) and Martha (played by Tilda Swinton), who reconnect in the most unusual of circumstances. Decades ago, they worked together at the same magazine, but life drove them apart. Now, fate brings them back together in a moment that is both sweet and quietly devastating. Almodóvar’s signature ability to balance humour and heartbreak is fully present here, with both Moore and Swinton delivering career-defining performances.

For Almodóvar, known for his deep emotional sensitivity and masterful handling of female narratives, working with two of the most versatile and acclaimed actresses of their generation seemed almost inevitable.

Tilda Swinton vs. Julianne Moore: Two Acting Giants in Almodóvar’s Universe

Both Swinton and Moore are known for their transformative acting abilities, yet they approach their craft in distinct ways, making their collaboration in The Room Next Door a cinematic treasure.

Tilda Swinton: The Ethereal Chameleon

Swinton’s career is built on her ability to defy convention. Whether she’s portraying an immortal in Orlando (1992) or a mysterious dance teacher in Suspiria (2018), Swinton embraces roles that challenge gender norms, beauty standards, and audience expectations. Her androgynous looks and fearless choice of roles have made her one of the most intriguing actresses of her time.

Some key characteristics of Swinton’s work:

• Androgynous and otherworldly presence
• Roles that push boundaries (gender, appearance, narrative)
• Collaborations with avant-garde filmmakers like Derek Jarman and Bong Joon-ho

Noteworthy performances include:

• Orlando (1992): A gender-fluid character who lives for centuries, changing gender and identity along the way.
• The White Countess (2005): A poised expatriate in 1930s Shanghai navigating life in the midst of personal loss and societal upheaval.
• Michael Clayton (2007): A ruthless corporate lawyer, a role that earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.

In The Room Next Door, Swinton’s performance is no less daring. Her portrayal of Martha is filled with the quiet intensity that has defined many of her roles—an enigmatic presence that slowly unravels throughout the film.

Julianne Moore: The Grounded Powerhouse

If Swinton is ethereal and enigmatic, Julianne Moore is her grounded counterpart. Known for her realistic portrayals of complex women, Moore brings a relatable humanity to every role she plays. From a linguistics professor grappling with Alzheimer’s in Still Alice (2014) to a suburban housewife struggling with infidelity in Far From Heaven (2002), Moore’s ability to convey vulnerability and strength has cemented her place as one of the most respected actresses in Hollywood.

Key characteristics of Moore’s work:

• Portrayal of relatable, emotionally complex women
• Nuanced performances with a deep emotional range
• Strong female characters navigating personal and societal challenges

Moore’s standout roles include:

• Still Alice (2014): A moving performance as a woman dealing with early-onset Alzheimer’s, for which she won an Academy Award.
• Far From Heaven (2002): A housewife who experiences the unravelling of her seemingly perfect life.
• The Hours (2002): A woman struggling with identity and her place in the world, in a narrative that spans different timelines and literary influences.

In The Room Next Door, Moore’s Ingrid is the emotional anchor, carrying the film’s heavier themes of loss and reconciliation with a quiet dignity.

Almodóvar’s Favourites: Moore and Swinton’s Picks from His Filmography

Both actresses have expressed deep admiration for Almodóvar’s earlier works. Julianne Moore has cited Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988) as a personal favourite, along with his trilogy comprising Volver (2006), All About My Mother (1999), and Dolor y Gloria (2019).

Swinton, on the other hand, holds a particular fondness for Dolor y Gloria (2019), which she describes as a beautiful reflection on memory, art, and the passage of time.

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988)

This classic Almodóvar comedy-drama is a masterclass in balancing absurdity with heart. The story follows Pepa (Carmen Maura), a woman on the edge, as she navigates heartbreak, betrayal, and a series of increasingly absurd situations. Women on the Verge is Almodóvar at his most playful, but it also showcases his deep understanding of human emotions, particularly those of women.

Arguments for the Film:

• Blending Genres: A seamless mix of comedy, drama, and thriller.
• Strong Female Characters: Pepa and the women around her are vibrant, complex, and wonderfully flawed.
• Cultural Impact: The film cemented Almodóvar’s place on the global cinematic stage and influenced countless filmmakers.

The Trilogy of Pain and Memory: Volver, All About My Mother, and Dolor y Gloria

Each of these films touches on themes of family, memory, and loss—recurring motifs in Almodóvar’s work.

• Volver (2006): A story about women confronting the ghosts of their past, led by a tour-de-force performance from Penélope Cruz.

• All About My Mother (1999): A deeply emotional exploration of motherhood, identity, and theatre.

• Dolor y Gloria (2019): Almodóvar’s semi-autobiographical film about an aging filmmaker reflecting on his life, with Antonio Banderas delivering a soul-baring performance.

Critical Reception of The Room Next Door

Thus far, The Room Next Door has received overwhelmingly positive reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 96% approval rating, while Metacritic assigns it a score of 70, indicating “generally favourable” reviews.

Critics have praised the performances of both Swinton and Moore. Stephanie Zacharek from Time noted that “if it’s possible to make a joyful movie about death, Almodóvar has just done it.” Meanwhile, Owen Gleiberman of Variety lauded Swinton’s performance as “monumental,” comparing her to the legendary Vanessa Redgrave. Robbie Collin of The Daily Telegraph was more critical, describing the film as “depressingly thin,” though this appears to be an outlier opinion in the broader critical consensus.

With the film winning the Golden Lion at Venice and Almodóvar’s continued recognition—such as receiving the Donostia Award at the San Sebastián International Film Festival—The Room Next Door is positioned to become another standout in his illustrious career.

Conclusion: Why You Should Watch The Room Next Door

Almodóvar’s The Room Next Door is more than just his English-language debut—it’s a testament to his ability to craft deeply emotional, human stories that resonate across languages and cultures. With powerhouse performances by Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, the film is bound to captivate audiences worldwide. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Almodóvar or new to his work, this is a film you won’t want to miss.

The question remains: Will you be heading to the cinema to form your own opinion on this cinematic gem?

What do you think about Almodovar’s movies? We would love to hear about your experiences with in films or your opinions related with the article.

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