The Room Next Door- Pedro Almodovar’s English Language Feature Debut
Quick Take: this was a screener from Sony Pictures Classics, and it lacked audio description. The film does have audio description, and I plan on reviewing it again when it eventually lands on Netflix, where Sony movies go eventually. This is just a few initial thoughts, in case I don’t come back around. Pedro Almodovar’s English language debut has been pushed as being not as good as his best work. Almodovar has such a long list of iconic Spanish language films that it is hard to say this, or any new film, can pass some of his earlier work that only ages like fine wine. the sad truth, is that for most of the blind community, this is the lone engagement with his style, as this is his only English language film. So one of the most prolific living directors is reduced to this.
Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore play old friends who reunite at a low point for Swinton. She’s terminal, and has a big ask of Moore. she’s decided to stop reducing her quality of life, and take a break to a happier vacation type spot, but is terrified of dying alone in a house, and has no one else. Moore eventually agrees, and these two women embark on a journey of revisiting the past, with the knowledge the future is limited. John Tuturro and Alessandro Nivola also pop up.
the acting is strong, the movie is depressing but good. I’ve seen films that feel more like Almodovar, instead of something that feels like what he thinks American audiences can tolerate. but, it is not a bad film by any measure. I’m excited to see it again with audio description, as not everything made sense, and there are some strong visual moments I missed, but if you’re waiting for a general thumbs up or down from me, it is up, as long as you get it with the audio description. For more, check out my video.
