The Room Next Door (2024)

The Room Next Door

• I’m not quite sure what I was expecting going into this, but this film certainly went a path that I wasn’t ready for. That’s a good thing. I love it when I think it’s about one thing, and it takes a turn that blindsides you. I had only seen the teaser for this, so I had a very small scope of what it was about. It starts how I thought it would, but then the creative decisions kick in, and the rest of the film is about life ethics, and it certainly got my gears turning. I was thinking about it hours after I left the theater, and how I would react to the situations of the film. I don’t want to say specifically what happened, because it’s best if you watch it and ask yourself the same questions. But it goes down a path where you have to make a judgement call on if you think the characters are making a decision that may or may not be ethical. All I’m saying is that this film makes you think, and I absolutely love that. That’s all I’ll say about the plot. The performances in this are amazing, with a sympathetic touch from Tilda Swinton, and a loyal and caring mood from Julianne Moore. The two of them were a powerhouse in this, and it’s one of my favorite duos I’ve seen in recent years. John Turturro was also great, and a nice surprise. The Golden Globes that this was nominated for were well deserved. Lastly, and the biggest pro for me, was the score. Oh my gosh. It’s easily one of the most beautiful and mesmerizing scores from 2024, and I will be very upset if it doesn’t get nominated at the Academy Awards. Alberto Iglesias showed and cooked up the greatest sound this film could possibly have. A great collection of strings and orchestral sounds that add a gorgeous, hopeful, and entrancing mood to every scene. I found myself getting lost in the music every time it played. Overall, this film is well made, and though it doesn’t completely blow my mind or anything, it has a solid message and raises great questions that make me question my own thoughts on life. I’d recommend this to all drama fans. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go see it now!