The Room Next Door is a 2024 drama film adapted from the 2020 novel What Are You Going Through, starring Julianne Moore as Ingrid, a author who receives devastating news from a friend and fellow worker she hasn't seen in years, so travelling to the hospital she meets Martha (Tilda Swinton) and everything seems to be going well until Martha asks Ingrid to aid her in committing suicide after no one else was up for the task.
Excellently done, the film itself does bring a dramatic tone along with some humour sprinkled throughout and it's engaging to say the least. However, I don't think this film is for everyone as it can be a bit slow and the dialogue does take it's time to flourish out the melodramatic atmosphere which I'm very fond of to see in stories. But I think people who are interested in dialogue and good performances should definitely give this one a try.
The acting is very impressive, as 2 of the best actresses in the industry currently, do such a wonderful job and it doesn't seem like they're trying hard, that's how good it is! Also because of this the whole film becomes very interesting and I don't think modern actors now could really deliver this story justice if they were the leads, there's something about these 2 that really create a powerful connection with eachother and I really respect that. Of course, John Turturro is provided to some good use and it was very nice to see him again as Ingrid's ex
The flaw though is the start, the backstory was completely unnecessary and I really don't understand why they had to show all those scenes. I think it was trying to fill up the runtime but I found it quite random and unconnected to what most of the film was about. I didn't understand it, also the acting and dialogue from the backstory was just appalling and really could have been done better or removed as a matter of fact.
Overall, very well made and decent film with mostly great performances and a stellar story to really tidy everything up. Was enjoyable and had me entertained throughout, but it won't be for everyone. Would recommend to people who are fans of the cast or just liking movies in general.
Grade: A
London Film Festival 20th October.
