GMM: Room Movie Review

Rating: 8/10 (28 November 2015)

Envision spending your entire life confined to a single room, the size of a shed, with just a small skylight as your only perception of the outside world. For Jack (Jacob Tremblay), this was his life. This was all he knew. Room (2015) is a film based off of the best-selling novel by Emma Donoghue, told through the eyes of Jack, the five year old son of Ma (Brie Larson). Jack and Ma escape from this small confinement and attempt to adjust to something Jack never knew existed, the world.
Room is a small story driven independent movie. And like many of its kind, Room has to rely on a great screenplay, solid acting, and moving character development for it to get wide recognition. Room delivers on all of these aspects. You know a movie really tugs on the heartstrings when you notice multiple viewers in the theater crying during specific scenes. Jacob Tremblay and Brie Larson are near flawless together on screen as they depict the highs and lows of being confined to a single room for years, as well as their transition back to society.
It was very interesting to witness the depictions of what a child would believe as real, or not, based upon what he has been deprived of. Luckily, Jack and Ma have a television, but Ma has had to shelter Jack from some aspects of what really is going on outside of the 10x10 shed because she fears what this knowledge might bring to him. Real, TV world, space, aliens, and people are concepts that are different to Jack. The only other person he sees besides Ma, is old Nick (Sean Bridgers), whom Jack only sees through the cracks of the wardrobe he sleeps in.
Once they escape this world called room, director Lenny Abrahamson is tasked with showing how Jack adjusts to this seemingly alien planet. Both trauma and confusion seem accurately depicted as Jack and Ma both have mixed responses to what Jack has never known, and what Ma's life used to be. By the end of the movie, it felt satisfyingly complete, as it touched back on the initial openings, reoccurring themes, and feelings of closure for Jack and Ma.
As mentioned above, the film does receive a standing ovation from bringing the viewers to feel deep compassion for the character. However, the times of suspense should only get a pat on the back. The sense of danger, fear, and urgency does not seem to suck you in. Part of this was attributed to the score that at times seemed more redundant and annoying. What seemed to be the same piano notes only appeared during scenes of sadness, awe, and joy, but nothing was there to enhance the other scenes.
The only criticism of the directorial style was the lapse in direction that the story was supposed to take towards the end of the film. The entire time the story was told through the eyes of Jack. However, towards the last part of the movie, there was a shift that included some of Ma's point of view. This slightly took away from the ways a five year old would try to explain certain behaviors or actions of adults. Also, for those who have read the book, don't expect the movie to include every aspect of it. Just like every other film based on books, graphic novels, comics, or even true events, only certain aspects can be adapted and some must be altered in order to try and make the best move possible.
Room is definitely an emotional journey through trauma and discovery. It has very strong storytelling and acting. Room fell short in some aspects, though they did not sufficiently diminish the overall experience of the film. It brings different concepts for those to learn from, such as the importance of family, experience, and empathy towards others. If you want to escape the confinements of recent big budget films, or want to experience something moving that you will not forget, go see Room. Room earns an unwavering 8/10.
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