Pedro Almodóvar’s highly anticipated English-language debut, The Room Next Door, will grace the silver screen as the Centerpiece selection of the 62nd New York Film Festival. After debuting internationally at the Venice Film Festival this Summer, the film will make its U.S. premiere at the event on October 4th.

Starring cinematic powerhouses Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, the melodrama delves into the complexities of a rekindled friendship. Ingrid, a celebrated author portrayed by Moore, and Martha, a seasoned war journalist brought to life by Swinton, find themselves drawn back into each other’s lives after years of separation. As they immerse themselves in shared memories, laughter, and artistic pursuits, a profound request emerges from Martha, threatening to test the depth of their enduring bond.

The Room Next Door delves into the complexities of human connection through the lens of female friendship. At the movie’s core is a poignant exploration of the human condition, examining themes of loss, grief, and the complexities of female friendship. Almodóvar’s signature style, characterized by vibrant visuals, emotionally charged narratives, and complex characters, is apparent in his adaptation of Sigrid Nunez’s acclaimed novel What Are You Going Through. This adaptation brings Almodovar’s distinctive cinematic language to bear on the intimate dynamics of these characters and their New York surroundings, by capturing the essence of Manhattan and upstate New York.

The Room Next Door represents Almodóvar’s continued exploration of female relationships and emotional depth, a thematic cornerstone of his oeuvre. His transition to the English language offers a new perspective on his signature style, promising a film that, while familiar in its emotional core, will undoubtedly showcase his ability to adapt to a new cinematic landscape.

Sony Pictures Classics will distribute the movie in the US.