Italian
Pedro Almodóvar’s first English-language film: A deep dive into “The Room Next Door”
Pedro Almodóvar, the Spanish auteur known for his vibrant storytelling and complex characters, is set to make his English-language debut with “The Room Next Door.” Starring Oscar winners Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, this film is already generating significant buzz ahead of its anticipated premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
A new chapter for Almodóvar
Almodóvar’s transition to English-language cinema marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career. Known for his emotionally charged narratives and vivid visual style, Almodóvar has captivated audiences worldwide with films like “Talk to Her” and “Volver.” His latest venture, “The Room Next Door,” promises to be no different.
The film, set in New England, explores the tumultuous relationship between a mother and her daughter, estranged due to a profound misunderstanding. Almodóvar describes it as a story about “a very imperfect mother and her resentful daughter, who live separate lives because of a profound misunderstanding.” This theme of familial discord is a recurring motif in Almodóvar’s work, and it will be fascinating to see how he navigates it in a different linguistic and cultural context.
For a sneak peek, check out the trailer here: The Room Next Door.
Star-studded cast and production
The film boasts a stellar cast, with Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton taking on the lead roles. Both actresses are known for their powerful performances and have previously won Oscars for their work. Their collaboration with Almodóvar is highly anticipated and is expected to bring a unique depth to the film’s complex characters.
Produced by Almodóvar’s El Deseo banner, “The Room Next Door” is set to hit theaters this year, distributed by Sony Pictures Classics in the U.S., Middle East, and India, and by Warner Bros. in other territories, including the U.K., Spain, and Italy.
Venice Film Festival: A star-studded affair
The Venice Film Festival, known for its glamorous red carpet and prestigious lineup, is set to host the world premiere of ”The Room Next Door.” This year’s festival promises to be a star-studded affair, with appearances by Hollywood heavyweights like Lady Gaga, Joaquin Phoenix, Angelina Jolie, Daniel Craig, and Monica Bellucci.
Tim Burton’s ”Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Jenna Ortega, and Willem Dafoe, will open the festival out of competition. For more details, watch the trailer here: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
Competition highlights
Among the films competing for the coveted Golden Lion is Todd Phillips’ “Joker 2: Folie à Deux,” a musical sequel to his 2019 hit “Joker,” starring Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix. The film is expected to be a strong contender, given the success of its predecessor. Check out the trailer here: Joker 2: Folie à Deux.
Another highly anticipated entry is Pablo Larraín’s “Maria,” a biopic about the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, starring Angelina Jolie. Larraín is known for his biographical dramas, and “Maria” is expected to be a compelling addition to his oeuvre. Watch the trailer here: Maria.
Luca Guadagnino’s adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ “Queer,” featuring Daniel Craig as the author’s alter ego, is also generating buzz. The film explores the life of an American expat in Mexico battling heroin addiction and his infatuation with a younger man, played by Drew Starkey. For a glimpse, see the trailer here: Queer.
Italian and international entries
Italian cinema will be well-represented with “Sicilian Letters” (“Iddu”), a drama about Cosa Nostra boss Matteo Messina Denaro, directed by Fabio Grassadonia and Antonio Piazza. This film is eagerly awaited by fans of Italian crime dramas. Watch the trailer here: Sicilian Letters.
Brazilian auteur Walter Salles returns with “I’m Still Here,” his first narrative feature in over a decade, which is also expected to compete. Meanwhile, Mike Leigh’s “Hard Truths” and Ron Howard’s survival thriller “Eden” will debut at the Toronto International Film Festival instead.
Reflecting on the future
As the Venice Film Festival approaches, the excitement surrounding “The Room Next Door” and other high-profile entries continues to build. Almodóvar’s foray into English-language cinema, coupled with the star-studded lineup, promises a festival filled with cinematic brilliance and artistic exploration.
The 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival will run from August 28 to September 7, with the full lineup to be announced on July 23. As we await the festival’s commencement, one can only wonder how these films will resonate with audiences and critics alike, shaping the future of cinema in the process.
