It's surprising this didn't win Best Picture

Rating: 10/10 (22 May 2016)

This is one of those films you watch and would instantly think must have won Best Picture at the Oscars - and it's very surprising that this didn't. Room has to be the best films I have seen this year. Everything worked incredibly, from the acting to the cinematography. This is the first film from Lenny Abrahamson (who previously directed Frank in 2014) that I've seen, an honestly I now have an urge to watch the rest of his films; the directing is a major way this film works - Abrahamson blends together an incredible mix of Ma's lament for life and also her extreme happiness for Jack very well, and constantly makes the film go from superbly tense to emotional highs in split instants. There was some very good work from Emma Donoghue (who also wrote the novel) on the script, which was beautifully and delicately written, and in my opinion never had a false note. This film, unlike most, is split into two acts instead of three, both of which last for around 55 minutes. The structure is very tight, and very event seemed very carefully placed and vital to the overall story. This is an incredibly depressing film, which doesn't let go of you for a moment, nor does it ever cease with its emotional highs. The imprisonment of Ma and the general story are very carefully handled.
However, perhaps the most impressive aspect of this film is the incredible work from Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay, who were both mesmerizing in their own right. Brie Larson portrays Ma's struggles and adaption into the new world very well, and overall convincingly - perhaps one of the most worthy Best Actress wins of all time. Jacob Tremblay is a thing to behold - never before have I seen such an utterly authentic and amazing performance from a child, especially one of just 9 years old. Joan Allen and Tom McCamus both add their own impact on the movie and add great performances, even if this is ultimately Brie and Jacob's movie, who both seem to outshine anything or anyone else.
In the end Room is an excellent film that you are sure to never forget, in which Lenny Abrahamson's fantastic directing and the lead actors' performances do justice to the heart-wrenching story.