Review of Room (2015) by Amy-Lauren B — 09 Aug 2016

I went to see Room in what has become an increasingly rare situation: I was pretty much going in blind. I'd seen the trailer only once, and wasn't familiar with its adapted novel. All I knew was the very basic elements; that it was a film about a mother (Brie Larson) and her child (Jacob Tremblay) who are victims of kidnap and their struggle to escape. So, when I sat down to watch Room I was expecting something very specific, given what films on this subject tend to feature. I expected desperation, and anguish and the wretchedness of captivity. I predicted I'd feel heavy and slightly depressed by the end. What I actually saw and experience was artistic, heartfelt and ultimately whimsical. It broke my heart, and made me cry, but also left me smiling.

Jack (Tremblay) is our 5 year old narrator, and we experience the story through his eyes. His life in Room (the only life he has ever known) is not one of despair or abuse. He is successfully protected by his Ma (Larson), who has spent 7 years as the kidnapped captive of 'Old Nick' (Bridgers). During these 7 years, she is raped and imprisoned by her capture, giving birth to Jack in captivity and raising him with a sense of innocence about where he is and what exists outside. In a context that could have fallen into the risky territory of fetishizing crime, instead we watch the relationship of a mother and her son. Jack must learn that space and time exists beyond their room and TV, and must bravely attempt to escape if he and his mother can ever have a normal life.

It hits the right notes on all the important levels. Direction, cinematically, performance wise, narrative and in particular the dialogue. I'd go as far to say that Jacob Tremblay gives the best child performance of all time, with maturity far beyond his years. I recently listened to Mayo and Kermode's podcast interview with Lenny Abrahamson, and he talked about his considerations while directing Tremblay. This involved long takes, experimenting with different expressions and emotions while he delivered his dialogue. The youth and naivety of Jack's character feels totally genuine, especially during the narration sequences, and his interactions with Larson as his Ma are perfection.

Room is most definitely one of the best films at the cinema right now. I have deliberately tried to avoid its primary plot points so you can experience it for yourself. See this movie.