The Room Next Door Filming Locations takes us through the stunning settings of Pedro Almodóvar’s 2024 drama film. Almodóvar is known for telling stories in an artistic way. This is his first full-length English-language movie, and Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore star in it. We saw the movie for the first time at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 2, 2024. It won the prestigious Golden Lion award there.
The movie was made by El Deseo and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures in Spain. It will open in theaters on October 18, 2024, and in the U.S. on December 20, 2024, it will only be shown in a few locations. John Turturro and Alessandro Nivola are just two of the many talented actors in the cast, which makes this a must-see drama.
What is “The Room Next Door” Movie About?
The movie shows the lives of Martha and Ingrid, two women who worked at the same magazine as teens and became close friends. Their lives took them in different directions, which caused a gap that lasted for a long time. As a war reporter, Martha saw the worst parts of war, while Ingrid chose a more peaceful job as an autofiction writer, sharing her own experiences through her writing.
When they meet up again out of the blue in strange circumstances, their lives change. This emotional reunion takes place in a quiet, out-of-the-way place where both women have deep conversations, work through unresolved feelings, and think about life. The movie explores friendship, loss, and reconnection in a beautiful and calm way that hits home with viewers. Through powerful performances and breathtaking visuals, the story balances the complexities of their lives with an underlying sense of hope and acceptance.
Where Was ‘The Room Next Door‘ Filmed?
Pedro Almodóvar chose incredible filming locations to bring ‘The Room Next Door‘ movie to life. The movie was shot in both Spain & the United States, so it has a great mix of natural and urban scenes.
Madrid, Spain
The Szoke House, which is in the beautiful woods of La Herrería on the southern slopes of Madrid’s Mount Abantos, is one of the main filming locations. The modern architectural masterpiece, which was made by Aranguren + Gallegos Arquitectos, is the main setting for Martha and Ingrid to get back together.
The house, which is in the middle of the lush pine forest of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, was designed to fit in with nature. The director, Pedro Almodóvar, said this about the setting: “We wanted a place that felt remote but alive, to match the emotional tone of the story.” This vision worked great in the forest of El Escorial. The house’s big glass windows let in a lot of natural light and make the view of the surrounding trees and plants breathtaking. This makes the experience more real for the viewers.
New York City, USA
Some of the movie was shot in New York City, which shows how lively and exciting one of the world’s most famous cities can be. Almodóvar chose New York City specifically because of its rich cultural atmosphere and its connection to the characters’ past lives.
Lead actress Tilda Swinton said this about the setting: “New York City’s energy contrasts beautifully with the film’s quieter moments, making it an essential part of the story.”
Echo Lake Park, Cranford, New Jersey, USA
Echo Lake Park in Cranford, New Jersey, is another important spot. It was known for having beautiful and peaceful scenery which made it the perfect place for some of the movie’s sad scenes.
If you want to know what Pedro Almodóvar thought about this place, he said, “Echo Lake Park is a peaceful escape, which was perfect for the film’s reflective tone.”
Westfield, New Jersey, USA
Westfield, New Jersey, served as another important filming location, particularly the Westfield Police Station and Mindowaskin Park. On May 8, 2024, the Westfield Police Station was transformed into the fictional Lake Hill, NY Police Department, complete with patrol cars, uniforms, and a New York State flag.
The town officials shared their excitement about hosting the shoot, stating on Facebook, “The crew noted that, after scouting many locations in New Jersey, they chose Westfield for this scene not only for the front of our Police Department, but also for the beauty of Mindowaskin Park.” The choice of Westfield highlights its charm and ability to double as a small New York town, enhancing the film’s authenticity.
When Did the Filming of ‘The Room Next Door‘ Take Place?
The Room Next Door filming began in Madrid, Spain, on March 3, 2024. The beautiful Szoke House was one of the first places they went. Later, for more scenes, the show moved to New York City and Cranford, New Jersey. By the middle of 2024, the whole shoot was over. Juan Diego Botto, Raúl Arévalo, Melina Matthews and Victoria Luengo were some of the new cast members who joined the project in June.
Should you watch ‘The Room Next Door‘?
Of course! There is a great mix of emotional storytelling, great acting and stunning visuals in The Room Next Door. The movie goes deep into themes of friendship, loss and acceptance with powerful performances by Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore. It says a lot about the film’s artistic value & emotional depth that it won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. You should see this movie if you like dramatic films that make you think with beautiful settings and great acting.
The Room Next Door Cast Details
The film boasts an exceptional cast, blending acclaimed international stars with talented supporting actors:
- Tilda Swinton as Martha Hunt – A war reporter who reconnects with her old friend.
- Julianne Moore as Ingrid Parker – An autofiction writer who reflects on her life’s choices.
- John Turturro as Damian Cunningham – A key figure from Martha’s past.
- Alessandro Nivola as Policeman – A minor but pivotal role in a significant scene.
- Juan Diego Botto as Photographer – Captures important moments that drive the story forward.
- Melina Matthews as Lawyer – A supporting character linked to Ingrid’s journey.
- Raúl Arévalo as Spanish Priest (Bernardo) – Adds a spiritual element to the plot.
- Victoria Luengo as Fred’s Wife – Brings depth to Fred’s personal story.
- Esther McGregor as Young Martha – Depicts Martha’s early life and ambitions.
- Alex Høgh Andersen as Fred – A character who connects with Martha in her reflective moments.
- Alvise Rigo as Jonah (The Trainer) – Plays a supportive role in Ingrid’s storyline.
The Room Next Door Official Trailer
The official trailer for The Room Next Door gives a glimpse into its emotional storyline and breathtaking cinematography.
The Room Next Door is a film that brings together powerful performances, emotional storytelling, and stunning locations. Whether you are a fan of Almodóvar’s previous works or looking for a thought-provoking drama, this movie will not disappoint!
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