Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thought-provoking drama sensitivity explores assisted dying.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Room Next Door
What's the Story?
THE ROOM NEXT DOOR is the story of two old friends, the successful novelist Ingrid (Julianne Moore), and former war reporter Martha (Tilda Swinton), who reconnect after many years, when Martha receives a terminal diagnosis. With Martha's health deteriorating in hospital, she tells Ingrid she wishes to die on her terms, but in doing so, she's going to need some assistance.
Is It Any Good?
This moving psychological drama is Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar's first English-language feature film. The Room Next Door tackles sensitive issues, but they are handled with a delicate care, to make for a thought-provoking film, that is compelling the whole way through. Both Swinton and Moore bring so much nuance to what are two challenging roles, so full of complexity and conflict. Despite this being his first feature film set in the U.S., this still feels every bit an Almodóvar film. The way he uses colors in his set-design is exquisite, to the point he'd surely have a career as an interior designer should he ever quit filmmaking. Almodóvar has a unique style and distinctive sensibilities as a storyteller, which he has demonstrated that he can bring to an audience outside his native Spain.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Room Next Door tackled the subject of assisted dying. Was it handled sensitively? What do you think the director's position on it is? What is yours after watching the movie?
Discuss Martha's outlook on life. Did she maintain a positivity despite her situation? Why do you think that was? Why did Ingrid agree to help her?
Empathy, compassion, courage, and communication are just a few character strengths displayed in the movie. Can you give examples from both the movie and from your own life?
Talk about the strong language in the movie. Did it add anything to the movie? Is a certain level of language expected in a film like this?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 20, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : February 18, 2025
- Cast : Tilda Swinton , Julianne Moore , John Turturro
- Director : Pedro Almodovar
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Writer(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures Classics
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Courage , Empathy
- Run time : 107 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic content, strong language, and some sexual references
- Award : Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 4, 2025
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