Room - A Movie Review

No matter what nightmares you experience, never give up the fight for hope.

Based on the novel of the same name written by Emma Donoghue, Room is a 2015 film about a mother and son who are prisoners of a confined shed. Since five-year-old Jack believes this is everything the world has to offer, Ma fights to free him into the world.

After I watched Room, I researched more stories about women who have suffered similar confinement, like displayed in Room. Filmmakers carefully wove the story’s perspective from Jack’s innocent eyes, creating an impactful film of a serious incident. Room is a beautiful journey reflecting bravery, the relationship between a mother and son, along with hope.

Only eight-years-old at the time, Jacob Tremblay’s performance was a fantastic blend of innocence and a boy who is fighting to understand these serious predicaments. His narration is beautiful and I loved his outlook. Tremblay hit the mark with emotion, never giving up a fight, and his growth. His connection to the character made his performance believable, slowly turning independent.

Brie Larson’s incredible dedication to the part of Ma ‘Joy’ Newsome is one of the most impeccable performances in her career. To study for her part as someone who has been in confinement for years, she put herself in solitude for a whole month in her own home, eating sparsely, cutting herself off from social interaction.

Larson is a brave figure for anybody who is trapped in her place right now. With bravery, hope will come your way. She definitely deserved the award for Best Actress in 2015 for her moving heroic actions and doting relationship to her son.

Tremblay and Larson created a beautiful and genuine bond that was so realistic that they continue to be close friends after filming. Room is all about the beautiful relationship between Ma and Jack, solidifying their love for one another.

As the captor Old Nick (Sean Bridgers), I have taken the time to analyze his overall character and behavior. He is not someone that deserves attention because of his despicable acts, but his behavior will intrigue you. Bridgers delved into the mind of the captor bringing out someone who viewers cannot relate to, but says so much through his eyes. In one pivotal scene, he is put to the test, solidifying his character.

Joan Allan, William H. Macy, Tom McCamus, Amanda Brugal, Joe Pingue, and so many other actors brought out their incredible talents in this deep story. I have to give a shoutout to Brugal for her stupendous work as an intelligent cop who put the only small pieces she could find to solve a case.

Reading the book after watching the movie, I found that I liked how the story was presented on the screen. Don’t get me wrong, Emma Donaghue’s novel is a splendid work of literature that I greatly recommend, I felt that the movie had better characterization. For example, I think the Grandmother (Allan) was better perceived than how she was in the book coming off as annoyed with Jack’s constant questions, and the situation entirely.

Lenny Abrahamson’s close attention to this impactful film brought out a deep story and attention to women who have been fighting through similar ordeals. The use of delicate camera angles, paying attention to Jack’s childlike perspective only, made the film an incredible piece of work to examine.

Hopefully, this movie has inspired those who have been in a situation to speak out or to keep fighting. Room is a dark, engrossing and poignant film that will leave a huge impact on you right after you witness it.