Ingrid (Julianne Moore) is a bit surprised when Martha (Tilda Swinton), an old close friend with whom she has been out of touch for years, contacts her with a sweet but rather extreme request.

Martha has terminal cancer and wishes to die. She has rented a lovely house in which to do so and has (illegally) gotten hold of a “euthanasia pill.” She wants Ingrid to be with her when she takes it. Not in the same room — that would be too much to ask — but nearby.

Pedro Almodovar’s latest is an open-hearted film for grown-ups, exploring themes that many can relate to. Life exhaustion, the loss of pleasure and curiosity. The music is spot on, and the visuals beautiful. For a film about dying, this one is cathartic, bursting with life and energy. Moore and Swinton were born for this. I won’t say that no one else could portray these roles, but no one could do them better. (107 min)