Review of Room (2015) by Mike G — 02 Oct 2016

Brie Larson (Short Tern 12 , The Spectacular Now) comes out swinging in Room, the story of a woman kidnapped and held in captivity for seven years and taking care of her child, Jack, who was born in this room and has lived there for five years.

Their captor, "Old Nick", occasionally comes by to give them food and to rape Joy Newsome (played by Brie Larson). It is only through the quick thinking of Joy and the bravery of her son of captivity, Jack, that they manage to escape.

What ensues is a story of struggling to cope with, for Joy, what she has missed, and for Jack, this brand new world. The story follows Jack, at times with voice over telling the audience what he thinks about this great big world.

The first half or so of the movie takes place inside of this cramped and worn-down shed where we find Joy (called Ma for most of the movie) and Jack on his fifth birthday, reminding the audience that he has been in this room for all of his five years.

Events occur, which are better to see rather than me tell you, that makes Joy say enough. She needs her child to have a life. The escape, done by Jack is thrilling (even though is is slightly obvious that they do get out of the room), in fact, it is breathtaking when we see what Jack sees, the world.

Lenny Abrahamson (director) makes us feel as if this world is truly new and Danny Cohen (DP) films this beautifully. The writing is amazing, with very realistic dialogue between Joy and her parents and interesting dialogue between Joy and Jack.

The chemistry between Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay is clearly there as it is believable when Joy is frightened for her child and Jack for her. Jacob Tremblay gives a truly stunning performance as Jack.

Everything from the cadence at which he speaks, imitating a five year old, and just being a good actor (everything was believable). This movie could have been very different if not for such a great performance by Jacob Tremblay.

Also giving an amazing performance, Brie Larson, knocks it out of the park in this one. Her performance as a mother who has to balance the stress of having a five year old child and also being in captivity is great.

Another great performance that may not get mentioned enough is the acting by Joan Allen as Joy's mother. While she has a rather small role compared to the previously mentioned actors, she still gives a great performance as a mother coping with her daughter coming back to her after seven years as a changed person.

Also, on a less serious note, the writer of this film (and book) definitely has children because the things that Jack say and do are really realistic like talking through his mother to other people or hiding behind her when strangers come (2 things that I used to do at around that age).

This film tells the breathtaking story of a mother and son discovering the world and it is a must watch.