Premiere - The Room Next Door : Club Allociné Hosts a Memorable Paris Premiere

By Mulder, Paris, Pathe Palace, 16 december 2024

On the evening of December 15, 2024, the prestigious Club Allociné welcomed its members to an extraordinary event at the Pathé Palace in Paris. The evening featured a private screening of Pedro Almodóvar's latest film, The Room Next Door (La habitación de al lado), followed by an engaging discussion with the celebrated filmmaker and the movie's two lead stars, Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore. This special gathering highlighted the continued impact of cinema as both an art form and a communal experience.

The Room Next Door marks a significant milestone in Pedro Almodóvar’s illustrious career. Known for his deeply emotional narratives and vibrant visual style, Almodóvar steps into new territory with this, his English-language feature-length debut. Adapted from Sigrid Nunez’s critically acclaimed novel What Are You Going Through, the film is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring ties of friendship.

The story centers on Ingrid and Martha, two women who were close friends in their youth while working at the same magazine. As their lives took them in different directions—Ingrid becoming a bestselling novelist and Martha a war reporter—they drifted apart. Years later, their paths cross again under emotionally charged and life-changing circumstances. This richly textured narrative comes to life through the powerful performances of Swinton and Moore, supported by an exceptional cast including John Turturro and Alessandro Nivola.

The film premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 2, 2024, where it was met with widespread acclaim and awarded the coveted Golden Lion, marking a historic first for a Spanish film. Critics hailed it as a masterful blend of Almodóvar’s signature emotional depth with a fresh, English-speaking perspective. This acclaim was further bolstered by its selection for other prestigious festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival, the New York Film Festival, and the San Sebastián International Film Festival, where it was screened as part of a 'Donostia Award' special event.

Its international rollout has been carefully planned, with its theatrical release in Spain on October 18, 2024, followed by a December 20, 2024, limited release in the United States, and a wider rollout in January 2025. The film will also premiere in other key territories such as France on January 8, 2025, distributed by Pathé Films.

The film’s creation was a testament to Almodóvar’s enduring artistry. Produced by El Deseo, the production company he co-founded with his brother, Agustín Almodóvar, the film featured a stellar crew. Edu Grau served as the cinematographer, capturing the film’s emotional depth through a visually compelling lens, while Alberto Iglesias, a frequent collaborator of Almodóvar, composed the score. Teresa Font edited the film, ensuring its pacing and structure complemented the story’s emotional resonance.

In the words of Tilda Swinton, The Room Next Door is “a natural successor, strangely, to Pain and Glory,” referencing Almodóvar’s semi-autobiographical masterpiece. The English-language debut allowed Almodóvar to explore universal themes in a new context, making the film a unique entry in his storied filmography.

The Club Allociné screening at the Pathé Palace offered attendees a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of The Room Next Door. Following the film, Pedro Almodóvar, Tilda Swinton, and Julianne Moore took the stage for an intimate conversation. Almodóvar shared his inspiration for adapting Nunez’s novel, his experience working with an English-speaking cast, and the challenges of capturing the delicate emotional beats of the story. Swinton and Moore, meanwhile, reflected on their collaboration with the director, describing the experience as deeply rewarding and artistically fulfilling.

The Paris audience, composed of cinephiles and industry professionals, engaged actively during the Q&A session, underscoring the excitement and anticipation surrounding the film’s release. The evening was not just a celebration of Almodóvar’s new work but also a testament to the enduring power of film to connect people across cultures.

As the film gears up for its international releases, early reviews are overwhelmingly positive. On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an 88% approval rating, with critics praising its moving performances, evocative cinematography, and Almodóvar’s confident handling of his first English-language production.

The Room Next Door is set to leave an indelible mark on the global cinematic landscape. Its deeply human story, coupled with the creative genius of Pedro Almodóvar and his talented cast, promises to resonate with audiences worldwide. For those fortunate enough to attend the Paris premiere, the evening was not only a showcase of extraordinary talent but also a reminder of the magic of storytelling that transcends languages and borders.

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Synopsis:
Longtime friends Ingrid and Martha began their careers working for the same magazine. When Ingrid became a best-selling novelist and Martha a war reporter, their paths diverged. But years later, their paths cross again in troubling circumstances...

The Room Next Door
Written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar
Based on What Are You Going Through by Sigrid Nunez
Produced by Agustín Almodóvar, Esther García
Starring Tilda Swinton, Julianne Moore, John Turturro, Alessandro Nivola
Cinematography : Edu Grau
Edited by Teresa Font
Music by Alberto Iglesias
Production company : El Deseo
Distributed by Sony Pictures Classics (Etats-Unis), Pathe Films (France)
Release dates : 2 September 2024 (Venice), 18 October 2024 (Spain), December 20, 2024 (United States), January 8, 2025 (France)
Running time : 106 minutes

Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville