Triumphant filmmaking

Rating: 9/10 (29 February 2016)

Room is directed by Lenny Abrahamson (Frank, Garage) and stars Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Sean Bridgers, Joan Allen & William H. Macy.
Based on the best-selling novel; Room explores how 5-year-old Jack copes with the huge world surrounding him after escaping the 10-by-10 foot enclosure that kept he and his mother captive his entire life.
With tour de force performances by both Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay, this psychological drama triumphs in a story of survival, hope and the unbinding love between mother and son. With award season in full swing, Room has captured audiences around the world, with its small and subtle storytelling and gargantuan directorial vision. The attention this film has gained is so vast and wonderful to see, focusing on the performances of our two on-screen protagonists. I'm truly glad to see Larson taking the Oscar for best actress and Tremblay for the AFCA breakthrough artist. Both are equally magnificent as their chemistry flows beautifully throughout the 128 minute running-length of the film.
After seeing Abrahamson's directional efforts in 'Frank' and hearing that he was sitting back in the directors chair for Room, I knew I had to see it. His work is highly regarded as some of the best Irish cinema around. I can safely say, I agree. Truly enduring work, and the pacing never holds up even for a few moments.
Stephen Rennicks pairs up with Abrahamson yet again with their fifth collaboration and it sounds incredible. The soft guitar melodies play slowly and gently under the performances and perfectly portray the mood and themes of this film, then as the drama and tension increases, a structured string movement thickens the emotional core. I'd love to see the two connecting again sometime in the future.
I have very little to say that would be derivative of the overall feature and because of this, I have to say I'm very happy with the experience I have had with this film. I think Abrahamson is an ingenious director and really strives to be different.
My verdict; Room is a film that everyone should watch and take note of. A simple idea can go a long way. This is substantial proof of that.
Room, 9/10.