Review of Room (2015) by Maksim B — 01 Mar 2016

An emotionally touching experience, Room is a demanding but completely rewarding drama describing the endless love between a mother and a child. Dark, frustratingly depressing at moments and capable of making you feel uncomfortable, this movie offers a formidable dramatic challenge which grows into a thoughtful character study.

The story of a young kidnapped girl (Brie Larson) and her young boy kept in captivity could not be less than uncomfortable and hart-to-chew. From the first moments, the audience will be compelled to follow how Joy managed to survive so many years being locked in a room and to raise a boy. The slow, detailed revelation of the true situation works formidably on the audience as it meticulously builds-up the story into the second part of the movie. The second half might be a less thrilling one, but if offers an intriguing character study of how Joy and Jack cope with the freedom and the return to the society. That is also the most polarizing part of Lenny Abrahamson's movie. If you are impressed with the first half, then the second one will certainly feel less satisfying. Personally, I would have preferred to have the whole movie focused on the "Room" rather than part of it.

The weaker second half is, however, compensated by the wonderful performances of Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay. Both of them were worthy of receiving Oscar nominations, and the young Larson even snapped the Best Actress Award. Her extremely believable performance, her struggle to get used to freedom and her almost aggressive and uncontrollable love for her boy are contributing greatly to the overall high emotional load in the movie. On the hand, Jacob Tremblay's performance is outstanding as well. His young age probably deprived him from obtaining a nomination but his fascinating presence as Jack certainly puts him among the list of top kids-actors to be followed.

In conclusion, Room is a must see delivery. Not only because of the Oscar-winning performance of Brie Larson, but also because of the compelling and uneasy story , and wonderful screenplay.