Film review: Room (5 out of 5)

Anyone who knows me will realise that I give out top marks for a film about as often as we get a solar eclipse.
A scene from Room SUS-160218-135700001A scene from Room SUS-160218-135700001
A scene from Room SUS-160218-135700001

Perhaps I expect too much, but a ‘perfect’ movie has to have a great story, superb acting, top direction but also an added element - the ability to make an audience sit up and take notice.

For example, it might be extraordinary effects, a plot that gets you thinking way after the credits appear or a performance that makes your jaw drop.

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Well, two out of three is enough for me to slap on a 5 out of 5.

Room has received plaudits by the bucket load and it’s no surprise.

Brie Larson and young Jacob Tremblay provide amazing performances that had most of the audience in tears.

Larson plays Ma, who like any other young mother, works hard to protect her five-year-old son Jack (Tremblay) and ensure life is as normal as possible.

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However, life is anything but normal for these two as their existence is confined to a ten foot square shed, locked and sound-proofed by a man only known as ‘Old Nick’, an ominous and threatening person who turns up most nights.

After years of living this way Ma has a dangerous plan to get their freedom.

But the real world holds even more challenges for a young boy who has never stepped outside this Room, with only a tiny skylight to glimpse reality through.

Plus Ma faces emotional turmoil as she becomes the focus of the media.

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The whole film is seen through the eyes of Jack, a massive weight to put on any actor’s shoulders, let alone one so young as Tremblay.

But he is, quite frankly, perfect and the vital relationship with Larson is amazing.

Director Lenny Abrahamson avoids all the cliches and presents the story with a subtle touch.

Yes, there’s tension created by the plot, but there’s also a beautiful heart-warming feeling that lingers long after the lights go up in the cinema.

Film details: Room (15) 118mins

Director: Lenny Abrahamson

Starring: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay

Screening courtesy of Horsham Capitol

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