At Death with Dignity, we’ve been talking a lot about Pedro Almodóvar’s new movie The Room Next Door, his first English-language film premiering December 20, 2024. We’re completely wowed that Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore have been tapped to headline a film that takes a deep look at what it means to die with dignity. Honestly, we’re starstruck.
“It’s a film in favour of euthanasia” Almodóvar said recently in an interview with AnOther magazine. However, Swinton’s perspective suggested the terminology that resonates with terminally ill patients in the US: “For me, it’s more about what I would call death with dignity, because this is about someone taking things into their own hands… It’s [a subject] that’s dear to my heart because it’s something I’ve had to think about a lot over the last few years.”
Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton in ‘The Room Next Door’ COURTESY OF SONY PICTURES CLASSICS
A catalyst for change: Sparking national conversations on Death with Dignity
Because The Room Next Door is based on a novel by Sigrid Nunez, we do know how the film’s story ends. (Spoiler alert!). What’s compelling about it are the conversations that take place between the main characters Martha, (the terminally ill character played by Swinton), and Ingrid, (the friend played by Moore). Their conversations illuminate Martha’s decision-making process, reflections on life, and end-of-life planning. Ingrid, the supportive friend, has her own internal conversation to understand Martha’s wishes, reflect on her mortality, and define what love and respect mean in their friendship. Their dialogue ultimately leads up to how they support one another as they say goodbye — which is all we could hope for at the end-of-life — to be heard, seen, and respected in our final wishes.
In the movie and book Martha dies by suicide. As a resident of New York, she does not have the option of Death with Dignity, where this healthcare option is not yet legal.* The Room Next Door is being released at a time in our culture where this conversation is desperately needed. The film brings the necessity of aid-in-dying laws to the forefront — it’s actually not a portrayal of Death with Dignity, it’s about the need for its existence.
Like Tilda’s character, countless people we have worked with, like Ann and Laura, have shared their peace of mind when they have medical aid in dying as an option, and the anguish faced when they don’t. We are so grateful this movie is coming out now, to bring this conversation front and center in the national spotlight — to raise awareness for this movement and to spark conversations at the dinner table that likely would not have happened otherwise. The film’s story centers on Martha’s decision, and builds on the conversations that take place. Here at Death with Dignity, we believe that peaceful end-of-life freedoms can begin with a simple conversation, with the hope that patients will be met with the empathy, support, and the respect they deserve. We’re thrilled this movie has the power to spark more conversations on Death with Dignity, and offers you the opportunity to start your own conversations too.
Martha chose the right person she needed to support her in navigating a really difficult end-of-life decision, a friend who would respect her wishes. This story has made us think about who we would want in our room next door as we plan our final days, too. Who would you want in yours?
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What is the difference between euthanasia and Death with Dignity?
Almodóvar references the term “euthanasia” while Swinton refers to medical aid in dying as “death with dignity.” While the term “euthanasia” is a common phrase in Europe and a legal option in a few countries, we appreciate Swinton’s framing, as it truly relates to the law in the U.S., which is the legal option in ten states and D.C. Simply put, death with dignity is the terminally ill patient’s decision, freedom, autonomy, and is their own action for a peaceful death.
To qualify for physician-assisted dying in one of these states, an adult patient must be diagnosed with a terminal illness that will lead to death within six months confirmed by two qualified healthcare providers, must be capable of making and communicating healthcare decisions, is able to self-administer and ingest the medications without assistance, and act voluntarily without coercion. Euthanasia, which is legal in a few countries but not anywhere in the U.S., is sometimes called “mercy killing” or assisted suicide – death brought about by someone who is not the patient. Death with Dignity laws make it clear the dying person availing themselves to this end-of-life option is fully in control, and making this decision freely on their own terms.
*In 2025 we are working towards an aid-in-dying bill in New York.