By Corinne Carey, Compassion & Choices Senior Campaign Director

I recently had the opportunity to watch The Room Next Door with a group of passionate supporters. Starring Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore, the film offers a visually stunning and emotionally resonant exploration of bodily autonomy, the right to die, and the societal and legal barriers surrounding these deeply personal decisions. While not all of the story’s details align with the medical aid in dying model that Compassion & Choices advocates for, the film offers a powerful springboard for discussion about end-of-life choices.

One supporter who joined our post-screening conversation noted that Tilda Swinton’s portrayal of a cancer patient experiencing “chemo brain” added authenticity to the story. “It felt so real,” they remarked. “Her cognitive struggles were portrayed with such nuance, and it made her desire to choose her own ending even more meaningful. She reclaimed agency in a situation where so much is out of her control.”

Another attendee shared their thoughts on Julianne Moore’s character, who faces her fear of death while grappling with the moral complexity in supporting her friend’s decision. “It was powerful to see her journey,” they said. “She didn’t just act out of friendship; it was about her belief in her friend’s right to choose her own path, even when it challenged her own deeply held fears.”

The film doesn’t shy away from highlighting the systemic injustices patients face in places where medical aid in dying is not currently authorized. One supporter observed, “It’s heartbreaking to see the lengths the character had to go to, resorting to an underground market, dying alone to protect loved ones from legal repercussions, and relying on privilege to proceed. It really brought home how inaccessible these options are for so many people.”

In addition to its thought-provoking themes, The Room Next Door is just beautiful cinema. The casting, character development, and cinematography are all outstanding. And the film’s critique of systemic barriers, portrayal of love and courage, and advocacy for dignity in the face of mortality make it a poignant contribution to the conversation about medical aid in dying.

As awards season buzz builds, this film has the potential to amplify advocacy for equitable, compassionate options for dying people. For those of us fighting for these rights, The Room Next Door reminds us why our work is so important — and why the conversation about autonomy at the end of life must continue.

The issues raised in The Room Next Door underscore the urgency of advocating for compassionate, equitable end-of-life care. There are several ways you can get involved:

• Speak to your legislator. Urge them to support medical aid-in-dying laws in your state. Personal stories and informed advocacy can make a real difference.
• Explore nearby options. If you don’t live in a state where medical aid in dying is authorized, research residency requirements in states that do allow it.
• Volunteer with us. Compassion & Choices relies on passionate supporters like you. Join our volunteer team to help advance this critical work.
• Plan ahead. Make your end-of-life wishes clear by using our free planning tools.
• Choose or become a health care proxy. Ensure your medical decisions are honored by designating someone you trust to advocate for your wishes.

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