Room in Rome

Habitación en Roma
a film by Julio Medem

In a hotel room in the centre of Rome two young women, who have just met, go on a physical journey which will touch their very souls. Before they leave to go back to their respective lands, Spanish Alba and Russian Natasha embark on an unforgettable one-night stand.

Alba and Natasha have just met at a club. As they walk together through the streets Alba invites Natasha to her hotel room for what seems merely a harmless sexual adventure crowning their last night in Rome. Natasha is at first reluctant and politely refuses the invitation, insisting that she is not a lesbian and that she likes men. Shocked by her own attraction towards Alba, yet intrigued by the idea of being seduced by her, Natasha feels excitement at this unexpected liaison. Gently, yet persistently, Alba encourages Natasha to allow herself to experience these feelings.

Guarded at first, they engage in games of fabricated identity, telling each other histories where the teller is actually the other character in the story, only gradually peeling off the layers of fantasy to reveal the often tragic secrets that have made them who they are. As the night progresses, through stories, memories and interaction with artworks in the room, the two experience a profound emotional connection, descending ever more into perilous depths of truth and honesty as their trust grows. As they reveal more about themselves their relationship also grows, becoming something far deeper and both women begin to realise they are falling in love.

As the new day dawns each has to confront the fact that they have agreed to part ways, to return to their previous lives in Russia and Spain. Natasha is shortly to marry her fiancé after a long engagement; Alba has been in a relationship for two years with her partner Edurne and her young daughter. Both women have now to decide where their hearts and commitments lie, and both know that the choice will be final, with no chance of going back.

For Natasha, the night has brought possibilities that she never thought existed but she knows that beyond the four walls of their room, their relationship must remain a secret, a memory. For Alba, their moments shared have been like nothing else she has ever experienced and even as it pains her deeply, she accepts she must let Natasha go. After delaying the moment of parting for as long as possible, when the time comes they attempt an unemotional goodbye. But is it possible in these final moments to find the courage to act upon one's feelings and to follow your heart? Alba is in little doubt that she can, but she knows that if they are to have a future together the decision must ultimately rest with Natasha.

A tender portrayal of love and sensuality, exploring different facets of the personalities of the characters, their openness to new experiences and willingness to confront and embrace their personal truths. The atmospheric camera work incorporates visual elements of the room's surroundings, decoration and artwork into the story, and the highly evocative soundtrack features an original score by Jocelyn Pook.