Room

I was first introduced to Brie Larson as a child when she was in the Disney Channel Original Movie "Right on Track". At that point I was too young to notice her acting, but I enjoyed the film and never forgot her name. Last year I saw Brie act again in the independent film "Short Term 12". I was drawn to her performance and knew she would do great things if given the opportunity.

I was drawn to the story of "Room" from the moment I saw the trailer. Finally after many weeks of waiting I had the opportunity to watch this film.

"Room" is based off of the novel written by Emma Donoghue who also adapted the screenplay. This definitely worked in the film's favor as Donoghue knows what needs to stay in the story and what can be cut.

As an avid book reader and fan of watching their film adaptations, I believe the author of the book should be an active part of the filming process.

"Room" follows Ma (Brie Larson) and her son Jack (Jacob Tremblay). Having been kidnapped by Old Nick (Sean Bridgers) as a teenager, Ma has lived in room for the past seven years. Five-year-old Jack has grown up in room and knows nothing of the outside world.

Ma is doing the best she can to provide as normal a life for Jack as she can considering the awful circumstances that has brought them both here. Even when Old Nick comes to visit, Ma tries to make Jack as ignorant to the situation as she can. Jack is happy and while he knows that certain things of their life are strange, this is what he knows and rarely questions it.

We get to know the characters as they bond and live in their tiny room and see the beautiful relationship they have with each other.

After seven years Ma has had enough and begins planning their escape.

Ma tries to get Old Nick to take Jack to the hospital under the pretense that he's sick, but after that fails she convinces him that Jack has died. Old Nick takes Jack (wrapped in a rug) out of room and Jack is able to find help.

After they are rescued we see Jack and Ma struggle to adjust to life out of room. While Jack has a hard time adjusting, his transition is easier and smoother than Ma's.

I did enjoy the film and would watch it again, but I will say this half of the film is not as strong as the half that takes place in room. While it makes sense for the relationship between mother and son to become strained as they try to transition to life in the real world, the relationship didn't feel as authentic anymore.

It is interesting Ma and Jack interact with the other members of Ma's family. We get to know her divorced parents and her stepfather. We also get a glimpse into the dangers of the media. Life is hard outside of room and we can see Ma questioning whether she truly did the right thing.

I don't know if the film/novel were inspired by any true stories, but unfortunately things like this do happen and it's interesting to see a story that shows us the possible horrors of living in a tiny room as well as the possible depression that victims may face after rescue. It is also comforting to see the unlikely things that may bring them hope and a reason to live.

The film is beautiful to look at. Ironically it is more visually interesting in room and the immediate rescue than it is once the characters are living in the real world.

This film is definitely worth a watch. At times it is difficult to fathom the situations the characters are put through and there are moments where you feel anger (mainly towards the press and how major news stories are handled), but I think that speaks to the film and how strong the performances are.

Watch the film. It's worth it alone for the cast: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Joan Allen, and William H. Macy. Of those, only Jacob Tremblay is unknown, but he proves he can hold his own with more well known actors. Seriously, if the kid is good now imagine how good he can be as grows older. Everyone poured their all into this project and it shows.

Rating: 4 stars
Release Date: October 16, 2015
Studio: A24
Director: Lenny Abrahamsom
Screenwriter: Emma Donoghue
Starring: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Sean Bridgers, Joan Allen, William H. Macy
MPAA Rating: R (Language)