ROOM is an Elevation Pictures Canadian movie based on a 2010 novel by Irish-Canadian author Emma Donoghue. It tells the story of a mother known as 'Ma' (played by Brie Larson) and her 5 year-old son Jack (played by Jacob Tremblay) who are held captive in a locked storage shed with a single skylight in the roof. In an effort to keep her son happy she convinces him the whole world is the room they live in, until questions start arising in the inquisitive Jack. She soon starts to realize she can't hide the truth from him much longer and works on a way to get Jack to safety. 

 

From Jack's perspective we experience their day-to-day lives in the confines of the shed. This involves playtime, food preparation, bathing, exercise and daily screaming for help. The movie’s trailers sum up most of the basic story so it's not a huge revelation that they do end up escaping, much to my relief. It may have been the small theater I saw the screening in, but with the first part of the film taking place entirely in ‘room’ with most shots very close up, I felt very confined and trapped. I could not WAIT to see beyond the room and get out!

 

Ma, who was abducted years prior and confined to the shed, has dedicated herself and her sanity to protecting and nurturing her son the best she can. Her strength shows what a parent can do to put their child's needs and happiness first, even at her own expense. Much of this film was very hard to watch as it felt very real, and connecting with Ma and Jack to see things from their situation was the core of the film. Their captor is present from time to time for some tense and disturbing moments, but the focus is Ma and Jack.

 

Eventually Ma decides that it's time for Jack to know about and accept that there is a large world beyond 'room' and they have to try to escape. His awareness is crucial to her plan and she feels he is old enough to understand the reality of the situation. She knows the risks involved in both of their safety but they are risks that must be taken!

 

We know that they do escape, but I won't ruin the details. It does make for some incredibly tense, emotional and powerful moments! It’s very overwhelming, but that’s only the ending of the first part of the film. This is where a Hollywood happy ending would happen and everyone would live happily ever after, but ROOM strives to deliver a far more realistic experience as we then get to see Ma struggle to resume her life on the outside, and Jack to experience everything for the first time. 

 

Here, on the outside, Ma and Jack's paths begin to split. While they are very codependent, the way they adjust is quite different. As a doctor explains to Ma, Jack is still very young and 'plastic' which gives him resilience. While initially Ma is familiar with the outside world and is able to nurture frightened Jack, eventually she breaks down and suffers depression and regret, with Jack ending up providing strength for her. It’s a very powerful and emotional arc.

 

Of course in Ma's absence the real world has continued and her family has undergone some changes. It's difficult to discuss without ruining the story, but it is very interesting to see how Ma's abduction affected those who love her, and to see how they fit her back into their lives. Another interesting study of human nature deals with who can and cannot accept the existence of Jack, who, while completely innocent, represents the years of Ma being continually raped by her abductor.

 

ALL of the performances are very convincing! I can't say what was scripted or improvised, but many moments felt very real, especially scenes with Jack playing. Jacob Tremblay as Jack is amazing as a 5 year-old. His perceptions, outbursts, fear and love all feel quite sincere. Brie Larson as Ma is also completely convincing as a protective mother withholding her own pain and fear to be brave for her son. A later argument with Ma and her mother Nancy feel real enough that I was uncomfortable watching. Joan Allen and William H. Macy flawlessly portray Ma's parents, Nancy and Robert, and give us some terrific moments, both good and bad. Another supporting performance I'd like to mention is Canadian actor Tom MacCamus, whose character provided some great moments and stepped up where another actor might have faltered.

 

ROOM is a fascinating movie to watch and feels like a study in human nature with many players. The main story provides the basic structure, but the resilience and failure of the human spirit had me captivated. As difficult as ROOM is to watch, I am interested in a repeat viewing and I'm certainly considering reading the book.

 

I give it 8.5 out of 10