La habitación de al lado

San Sebastian Film Festival: Film Number 19. The film addresses a topic that is unpleasant for me for personal reasons; I had to walk out of the screening at the festival. I was hoping that the story would also delve into the past and address some other themes. It didn't happen, but I can still appreciate Pedro Almodóvar's work for the great acting performances of two outstanding actresses, who will likely walk away with various nominations and awards. The intimate approach and strong dialogue give the film quite decent prospects for various successes. (27/09/2024)

An embargo should be imposed on the genre of “wealthy intellectuals die with dignity and thus reconcile us with the majesty of death”, but I understand that it’s nice watch and is good for garnering awards. Pedro Almodóvar, whom I respect for his ability to balance pathos with an ironic Hispanic flair, goes all in on this. The camera paints, Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton theatrically deliver their dialogue and monologues, from which it seems that Pedro is not at home in English and his distinctive melodramatic tone is suddenly decorative and flat. Yes, euthanasia is an important topic, but I really have no idea what symbolic quotes from Joyce and Hopper are supposed to bring to it. I understand that this film is a safe space where everything seems intellectually comprehensible. However, it is cheap creative license. Not even the games with hysteria and affection are anything that would save this essay on dying from the dead calm. (07/09/2024)