Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar returns to the Venice Film Festival with his 23rd film, “The Room Next Door”, marking his first full-length English-language project. The movie stars iconic actresses Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore as two friends who reunite after years apart, only to confront the difficult topic of euthanasia when one is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
At a press conference, Almodóvar explained his decision to work in English, stating that it felt like starting a new genre. Both Swinton and Moore understood and embraced the emotional yet non-melodramatic tone he wanted to convey in the film. The movie delves into themes of life, death, and self-determination, focusing on the controversial topic of euthanasia.
Almodóvar expressed his support for legalizing euthanasia worldwide, calling for greater access to this option for individuals facing terminal illnesses. Swinton shared her character’s journey of acceptance, emphasizing the importance of a person’s right to make decisions about their own life and death.
“The Room Next Door” follows Almodóvar’s successful 2021 film “Parallel Mothers”, which also premiered at the Venice Film Festival. The movie is set to hit theaters in Spain on October 18, with additional release dates to be announced. The film’s powerful exploration of euthanasia and the right to self-determination is sure to resonate with audiences worldwide.
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