The simplest movies have often been the best.
Discarding the ‘blockbuster mentality’ of Hollywood, films thinking outside the
square are usually the most memorable. ‘Room’ literally tries to do just
that. With its protagonists locked in a square room, their way out of it
and consequent dealing with the outside world offers compelling viewing.
Free of the bells and whistles of big-budgeted productions, ‘Room’ provides an
interesting look at humanity in ways not often seen.
Ma (Brie Larson) and her young son Jack (Jacob Tremblay)
live in a small windowless room. Held captive by Old Nick (Sean Bridges)
for seven years, Ma’s resilience at being repeatedly abused by Nick is at
breaking point. With Jack having been born during captivity, Ma
determines to escape and finally show Jack the real world. Hatching a
plan to escape, what follows changes their world forever.
‘Room’ is a film of two parts. Initially an escape
story, ‘Room’ morphs into a striking tale of discovery. Their
re-adjustment from enclosed world to an open one provides fascinating
viewing. Forced for so long to cope in a confined space, their ability to
handle a newish world tests their confidence. This is especially seen
through Jack as he learns to communicate with others and expand his
horizons. Whilst the earlier section within the room is well handled,
‘Room’ effectively comes into its own once they come out of it.
None of this would work without the fine performances.
Tremblay and Larson make their roles believable with authentic reactions to
ordinary situations. You feel their character’s trepidation as they walk
among others for the first time in years. The low-key direction and moody
photography ensure the story’s aim for realism works. This makes it
easier to invest in what we see with Ma’s and Jack’s emotional reactions often
genuinely moving.
One can’t find a simpler concept than ‘Room’ but it’s one
that succeeds. The way it examines the human condition is fairly original
and one to be grateful for in an increasing age of celluloid familiarity.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 8
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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TRAILER
SOUNDTRACK
Based on the novel of the same name by Emma Donoghue
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