From four walls to no walls, a brilliant movie about a mother and son finding strength in each other

Rating: 9/10 (14 November 2015)

Imagine, if you will, being born and raised in a small, square, space with only a skylight from which to see the outside world. How would living in such confines define the person? What happens to that world view when the outside comes crashing in? This is the story we watch unfold in "Room".
In a complete change from his last film, "Frank", Lenny Abrahamson's "Room" stars Brie Larson as Ma and her now five year old son, Jake, played by Jacob Tremblay. Ma and Jake live together in a room with two chairs, a table, a bent spoon, a bed, a sink, and a wardrobe. Why they live in such a confined space is the basis for the first half of the movie. The second half is what happens when they break free from the room and Jake discovers a vastly bigger room on the outside. The film is told mostly from his perspective, which could be disastrous, but with Tremblay's magnificent acting, and a script which carefully understands a child's perceptions, this technique works to the film's advantage. It is not too saccharine and for the most part, believable.
I would be shocked if this film does not net Brie Larson with at least an Academy Award nomination. Her portrayal of a mother in unbelievable circumstances is nothing short of brilliant. Easily the best movie of the year that I have seen so far, but one so emotionally engaging, that it left me drained. If you chose to watch "Room", and I do recommend it, bring plenty of tissues. There wasn't a dry eye in the theater.