Read User Reviews and Submit your own for Room (2015)

10

beingryanjudeOct 18, 2015

ROOM is an eye-opening revelation into ourselves and to the world around us - no matter how big or small it is. A triumph on many levels: Lenny Abrahamson's meticulous direction coupled with Emma Donoghue's fine screen adaptation will moveROOM is an eye-opening revelation into ourselves and to the world around us - no matter how big or small it is. A triumph on many levels: Lenny Abrahamson's meticulous direction coupled with Emma Donoghue's fine screen adaptation will move you to tears. Most importantly, two stellar performances from Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay make us believe, and that's quite possibly the most important part of any film.… Expand

16 of 19 users found this helpful163

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8

netflicNov 1, 2015

It's an emotional psychological drama about a young woman and her child being kept in a small shed for several years.
Jack was born in captivity and never saw anything but that small room which he assumed was the whole world.
The movie isIt's an emotional psychological drama about a young woman and her child being kept in a small shed for several years.
Jack was born in captivity and never saw anything but that small room which he assumed was the whole world.
The movie is done masterfully, Superb acting from both leads. Especially impressing is Jacob Tremblay who is playing a 5 year old Jack.
Everything in this film looks real and believable, and that is definitely a success for the whole film crew. A "must see" movie.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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9

TrilobiteGOct 16, 2015

Room is the wonderful and emotional tale of a young boy going into the outside world for the first time due to being held captive in a 'room' his entire life alongside his mother, joy, who will have to cope with the pressure. I tell you what,Room is the wonderful and emotional tale of a young boy going into the outside world for the first time due to being held captive in a 'room' his entire life alongside his mother, joy, who will have to cope with the pressure. I tell you what, Lenny Abrahamson has absolutely done it again. Room is a masterpiece of character development, drama and suspense. You really care about everyone in this movie apart from the captor. It is truly great emotional dialogue and film work that moves you so much and changes your perspective on how our world would work to that of, essentially, an alien. It's not completely perfect per say...the first few scenes set up this child to be annoying and thank god that the opposite happened. Apart from that, pure rich dramatic cinema.… Expand

6 of 7 users found this helpful61

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9

foxgroveOct 16, 2015

Emma Donoghue’s screen adaptation of her own book is superior in every way to the novel which was told in a style that would not be to everyone’s taste. The story of a young woman abducted of the street and kept prisoner in a garden shed forEmma Donoghue’s screen adaptation of her own book is superior in every way to the novel which was told in a style that would not be to everyone’s taste. The story of a young woman abducted of the street and kept prisoner in a garden shed for seven years, during which time she gives birth to a son now five, could have failed on so many levels. Therefore, it is great to report that director Lenny Abrahamson has done an incredible job in finding the perfect visual style with which to tell this potentially small and insular story. In the first half he resolutely refuses to be enslaved by the claustrophobic confines of the room itself keeping the camera up close a lot of the time on the faces of his actors, trusting in their ability to keep the viewer engaged. Precise editing and interesting camera angles also help the film achieve a seamless fluidity that one never dreamed could be possible from reading the book.
The actors are outstanding. Brie Larson makes her biggest impact ever as the mother prepared to sacrifice all for her son and, as the boy, Jacob Tremblay is just magnificent. That such a mature and natural performance has been achieved by one so young is truly astonishing. It is fair to say that in lesser hands the quality of the film would have been compromised without his level of performance. The success of the film ultimately hinges on the believability of the child and young Mr Tremblay delivers in spades. Joan Allen pops up as grandma adding fireworks to one scene in particular, but William H Macy is totally wasted. The film is on occasion genuinely moving without being overly manipulative, although the lovely score does play some part in this. It is easy to see how it won the audience award at Toronto as I’m sure most people who see it will love it.… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

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10

MarcDoyleOct 27, 2015

It's easily the best movie of 2015 so far (it's late October). Impeccably written, directed with aplomb, and acted ... wow. It would be a crime if Tremblay does not win the tall statue in February of 2016. The best movies of the year haveIt's easily the best movie of 2015 so far (it's late October). Impeccably written, directed with aplomb, and acted ... wow. It would be a crime if Tremblay does not win the tall statue in February of 2016. The best movies of the year have that spark of magic in them - and this one has it in spades. Can't say much more without spoiling the experience. Check it out.… Expand

8 of 10 users found this helpful82

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10

TVJerryNov 24, 2015

In a 10X10 room, a woman (touchingly portrayed by Brie Larson) has been held captive with her 5-year-old son (a remarkable performance by Jacob Tremblay). The first half is spent in their confined environment before expanding the drama toIn a 10X10 room, a woman (touchingly portrayed by Brie Larson) has been held captive with her 5-year-old son (a remarkable performance by Jacob Tremblay). The first half is spent in their confined environment before expanding the drama to examine their crisis in facing the real world. Without ever resorting to easy or expected devices, this film is sweet, touching, suspenseful and moving. Director Lenny Abrahamson has brilliantly created an intimate story that's powerful, yet understated. The best film I've seen this year.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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9

SpangleNov 25, 2015

If you get the chance, run to the theater to see Room. Do not walk. This film is a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle that will thrill you and leave you fighting back tears. Rarely do I ever feel my heart pounding out of my chest, but I was sittingIf you get the chance, run to the theater to see Room. Do not walk. This film is a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle that will thrill you and leave you fighting back tears. Rarely do I ever feel my heart pounding out of my chest, but I was sitting in theater wondering if I was about to have a heart attack my heart was racing so fast, then just like that, I was fighting tears back. This film is incredibly powerful all thanks to the masterful work of director Lenny Abrahamson. How somebody can create a film so briliantly moving and beautiful I will never know. Truly a wonderful job on his part. Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay are both stunning and have fantastic chemistry as mother and son. In addition, the writing is fantastic. Touching, moving, and powerful, all of the dialogue really hits home and makes you sit back and think. Room is damn near perfect and deserves all of the accolades coming its way. This film is thrilling, entertaining, dramatic, emotional, and all-around a phenomenal work of cinema that stands tall against the competition.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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9

BrianMcCriticDec 31, 2015

This film is remarkable in showing how this five year old child lives in his own world in Room. Then when they are out how they try to acclimate or re-acclimate to everyday life. If this film doesn't hit you emotionally you must be a robot. A

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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8

j1trainOct 16, 2015

Room is wonderful if a little bit overrated. It's gritty without being daring. The movie would fail without the amazing lead performance from young Jacob Tremblay and the great Brie Larson. It's an emotional ride, even if it all comesRoom is wonderful if a little bit overrated. It's gritty without being daring. The movie would fail without the amazing lead performance from young Jacob Tremblay and the great Brie Larson. It's an emotional ride, even if it all comes together too neatly.… Expand

6 of 8 users found this helpful62

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9

dinojay2Dec 29, 2015

Difficult to live up to the expectations of such a great book, but clever directing and outstanding acting allow them to pull it off. Brie Larson is quickly becoming one of the greatest actresses out there, and finding a kid that age that canDifficult to live up to the expectations of such a great book, but clever directing and outstanding acting allow them to pull it off. Brie Larson is quickly becoming one of the greatest actresses out there, and finding a kid that age that can pull off such a layered role was almost shocking. Impressive, and deserving of some award nominations.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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10

SeanGamerDaysNov 11, 2015

It's just showed up in my country! But obviously, you can't screwed up the whole things on this drama. Brie Larson was really good at this role, and it dosen't screwed-up it whole image, The tale was a complete beauty. You don't see thatIt's just showed up in my country! But obviously, you can't screwed up the whole things on this drama. Brie Larson was really good at this role, and it dosen't screwed-up it whole image, The tale was a complete beauty. You don't see that often in your life, but hey, you still get to feel that in this movie.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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8

FilmPhonicJan 19, 2016

“Jack”, a five year-old boy, discovers the majesty of the world as he escapes the confines of a small room where he’s spent his entire life isolated from the world with his “Ma”, only to deal with reality and the emotional consequences of“Jack”, a five year-old boy, discovers the majesty of the world as he escapes the confines of a small room where he’s spent his entire life isolated from the world with his “Ma”, only to deal with reality and the emotional consequences of their extraordinary ordeal in this moving adaptation of Emma Donoghue’s award-winning novel.

‘Room’ is one of those films that’s difficult to review without spoiling some of the plot, but we’ll try to limit any narrative giveaways to what you can glean from the trailer.

An Indie gem that’s already making splashes on the awards circuit, ‘Room’ is a faithful adaptation of a book that’s inspired by the notorious Josef Fritzl case in Austria, where a man imprisoned his own daughter for decades in the family home basement and with whom he forcefully fostered several children in captivity.

Narrated and told from the point of view of young Jack, ‘Room’ retains a remarkable innocence and sense of wonderment in the face of darkness as Jack discovers the everyday things we take for granted and which he believed were an imaginary construct of “TV Land”, all brought to life brilliantly by an extraordinary performance from young actor Jacob Tremblay.

The heart of the film is made whole through Brie Larson’s superbly nuanced performance as Jack’s “Ma”, a young lady who manages to somehow create a nurturing environment within a seemingly endless nightmare, only to be confronted the emotional battle that comes with adapting to a world of independence while being anchored by a boy who both depends on and nurtures her. Made all the more poignant by the fact that she has in Jack, both a reason to live, and a constant reminder of her harrowing ordeal.

With evocative source material and a steady hand, director Lenny Abrahamson has crafted a simple but incredibly effective little movie that’s a perfect example of the best of what independent filmmaking has to offer.

The Bottom Line…
‘Room’ is a small but perfectly formed little flick in a big wide world, a multilayered indie gem that’s remarkably touching and life-affirming but never over sentimental, from a director that’s fast becoming a worthy representative of the independent movie industry.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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10

ryan_gozDec 18, 2015

The true meaning of drama is depicted beauitfuly in this movie. An absolute work of art. Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay convey these characters incredibly and are completely deserving of recognition. A wonderful and heartfelt screenplay alongThe true meaning of drama is depicted beauitfuly in this movie. An absolute work of art. Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay convey these characters incredibly and are completely deserving of recognition. A wonderful and heartfelt screenplay along with outstanding direction. Conflict that drove me to tears and helped me understand how precious and nurturing a child's upbringing should be. One of my favourite movies of the year.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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10

liveinthelbcNov 18, 2015

Very interesting story. There were moments in the movie where it gets sk intense that you can feel your own heart beating. I love how it captured the innocence of the kid. Just bought the book it was based on and I hope that's good too!

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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8

aydaJan 26, 2016

Especially the first half of the film is amazing. The mother and five years old Jack looks somewhat happy or at least happy with their routine and having each other. For that reason before the story unfolds the audience may even think why didEspecially the first half of the film is amazing. The mother and five years old Jack looks somewhat happy or at least happy with their routine and having each other. For that reason before the story unfolds the audience may even think why did they lock themselves to this room.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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10

joeyriosJan 13, 2016

A brooding, beautiful tribute to life and its true purpose. Brie Larson, Joan Allen and Jacob Tremblay are to be hailed. It serves as a universal revelation to every person on what a mother's true meaning of love can conquer, even when itA brooding, beautiful tribute to life and its true purpose. Brie Larson, Joan Allen and Jacob Tremblay are to be hailed. It serves as a universal revelation to every person on what a mother's true meaning of love can conquer, even when it means the greater adversity.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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8

Brent_MarchantNov 21, 2015

An engaging, generally suspenseful psychological thriller about the bond between mother and child and the lengths she'll go to in protecting him under trying circumstances. The film's outstanding lead performances by Brie Larson and JacobAn engaging, generally suspenseful psychological thriller about the bond between mother and child and the lengths she'll go to in protecting him under trying circumstances. The film's outstanding lead performances by Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay captivate throughout, despite some occasionally uneven pacing (especially in the second hour). As one of the more unusual releases in recent years, this offering won't appeal to everyone, but, for those who appreciate cinematic experiences outside the mainstream, this is one worth screening.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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9

tvnewsguidoDec 26, 2015

Amazing.

I don't know if we credit the child or the director for the Best Actor caliber performance. Either way, it makes this movie. I've not been this genuinely frightened for a character in ages. The subject matter could have beenAmazing.

I don't know if we credit the child or the director for the Best Actor caliber performance. Either way, it makes this movie.

I've not been this genuinely frightened for a character in ages.

The subject matter could have been a Lifetime Movie-level disaster but the performances generate an emotional resonance unlike anything I've seen this year.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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6

MattBrady99Feb 27, 2016

Ma: "You're gonna love it".

Jack: "What?". Ma: "The world". Room tells the story of a relationship between a mother and son, as she raises him while confined to a 10x10 room and what happens when they finally get out. Since theMa: "You're gonna love it".

Jack: "What?".

Ma: "The world".

Room tells the story of a relationship between a mother and son, as she raises him while confined to a 10x10 room and what happens when they finally get out.

Since the 2016 Oscars are on Sunday and I've been lacking quite a bit on seeing as many Oscar contenders from last year. Room was one of those movies, as I've heard nothing but great things about it and how truly unique it is (from what I heard). It was a real shame that I had to wait for a while to get a chance to watch this movie, because it's been a very slow month over here in jolly good England. But after finally seeing the movie after that long wait, I can say that the movie was pretty underwhelming, and that's really disappointing saying that.

Brie Larson has been sweeping the award season this year, by taking home: The BAFTA, Golden Globe, Critics Choice award and the SAG award, and it's very deserving. Brie Larson delivered a tremendous performance and she was without a doubt the best part of this movie. I'm so happy that Larson is finally getting noticed since everyone pretty much forgot about "Short Term 12" and her performance in that film that got very unnoticed. Larson shows off her acting skills in this movie and I know for a fact that she will receive an Oscar on Sunday night. She was truly brilliant in this movie and one of her best performance so far.

Lenny Abrahamson (director of the movie) brought us the 2014 film "Frank", which I really liked and I couldn't wait to see want he will bring to this movie, and what he brought was somewhat of a mix bag for me. I'm happy for him to get an Oscar nomination, but I didn't find anything that special or groundbreaking when it came to it's directing. Most of it is just copy and past from the book that this movie is based on, so Abrahamson can look on what he's doing. I didn't read the book (and never will) but I've heard a lot of people who did read the book say that the book is better than the movie, and even the author herself said the same thing. The directing isn't anything Oscar worthy, but it's decent directing at best for Abrahamson.

The first act of this movie was very strong and it did kept my interest. That's the biggest positive I had for this movie is it's first act.

Jacob Tremblay is an unknown star to me and for everyone else, so this is basically he's break out role. I did look up on what Tremblay has been in before and I found out he was in "The Smurfs 2" which wasn't that good. But all that aside, I thought he's performance was alright, nothing outstanding, but nothing terrible. He's better than most kids I've seen in recent movies, but I also have seen better ones as well.

Now for the problems: The second act wasn't as strong as the first act. The movie did lose me a couple of times as I became disinterest as it went along.

The movie did feel like a sugar-coated version of the book and as I said before I haven't even read the book, but for what I heard from other people, the book is more graphic and dark than the movie. I get this question asked a lot when I say the movie sugar-coated from the book, "Would you rather have graphic scenes of rape from the book", well if that's what the book is suppose to be, then yeah, and it's not because I want to see someone get raped, but if you what me to give a crap about the characters and their struggle to see how their suffered, then the film makers shouldn't have sugar-coated it. I feel like if this movie was handled by a different director, it would have been a much better movie. The movie is basically telling you that there's violence and rape that happened, but there's nothing really graphic about it. The movie tells you to care about things that it never bothers developing and if you are going to make a movie on a subject like that, and pretend that this horrible thing that happened, again, you shouldn't sugar-coat it. Take "12 Years a Slave" as an example: That movie was graphic, brutal, honest and that's what made it an amazing movie, because it took a real life story like slavery that's suppose to make you feel for the character's and makes you look at what their been through and say to yourself "Wow, that was truly awful". Now look at Room, we have a single character and the movie is telling you to feel bad for her and what shes been through, but it didn't show any of it, and it's not like it has to be graphic for the sake of it, but it didn't even try to develop it.

Overall Room was very overwhelming and kind of bland. I know a lot of people are going to get mad at me for not loving this movie as they do, but that's just my opinion.… Expand

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8

RvwFromUpHereFeb 9, 2016

Who: Brie Larson, Wild Hogs, and Old Man Nick as someone who is never going to be cast in a normal role again
What: The most emotionally compelling movie a boy could watch since Field of Dreams
Where: A shed designed to be a 5-year-oldWho: Brie Larson, Wild Hogs, and Old Man Nick as someone who is never going to be cast in a normal role again
What: The most emotionally compelling movie a boy could watch since Field of Dreams
Where: A shed designed to be a 5-year-old boy's heaven, and a 20-year-old girl's hell
When (Can I watch again): When you need to be reminded your life isn't so bad
Why: If you thought this Oscar season was full of bland movies that are simply well-told stories, this will remind you that films are actually made to show you emotions you never knew you had… Expand

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9

YellowKirbyJan 30, 2016

Room is by far one of the best and most powerful movies I've seen in the past few years. From Lenny Abrahamson's fabulous directing to the acting talents of both Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay, this movie is bound to movie you to tears and isRoom is by far one of the best and most powerful movies I've seen in the past few years. From Lenny Abrahamson's fabulous directing to the acting talents of both Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay, this movie is bound to movie you to tears and is destined to become a classic and remembered by movie-goers years in the future. A pure masterpiece.… Expand

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9

DanBurritoFeb 6, 2016

"Room" is an incredibly powerful film with unforgettable performances from its leads. Brie Larson was amazing... Her performance was so haunting, it stays with you for days after seeing it. And as for Jacob Tremblay... Wow. It perplexes me as"Room" is an incredibly powerful film with unforgettable performances from its leads. Brie Larson was amazing... Her performance was so haunting, it stays with you for days after seeing it. And as for Jacob Tremblay... Wow. It perplexes me as to how he wasn't nominated for an Oscar. His was one of the best performances from a child actor I've ever seen. Emma Donaghue's screenplay was great, as was Lenny Abrahamson's direction. I haven't read the book, so I can't compare the two, but I'm certain that fans of the book will love the movie. In short, Room is a fantastic movie that really gets you thinking.… Expand

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10

drambuie_Feb 7, 2016

some may claim the story was known and kind of sort with not many excitements,overturns BUT it was an amazing screenplay, it wasnt the common dark night-woman alone-kidnap-seven years later etc and i loved this! Jacob Tremblay was asome may claim the story was known and kind of sort with not many excitements,overturns BUT it was an amazing screenplay, it wasnt the common dark night-woman alone-kidnap-seven years later etc and i loved this! Jacob Tremblay was a remarkable actor and at this age!! So pure , so simple but so deeply emotional and accurate . The reality of this story was hard, desperate but we experienced it as a tale with young boy and it will be memorable.. best movie this year… Expand

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10

Rebecca31Jan 16, 2016

It's been quite a while since I've seen a film that has left me speechless. What a movie, can't fault it at all, harrowing, intense and keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. This one is really out there, a tough subject and willIt's been quite a while since I've seen a film that has left me speechless. What a movie, can't fault it at all, harrowing, intense and keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. This one is really out there, a tough subject and will not be suited for everyone but it is completely stunning. Definitely deserving of an Oscar or two. Strongly recommended.… Expand

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8

SierpinaJan 27, 2016

Emocionante y cautivadora película, debo admitir que me emocione mas de una vez, en especial con la actuación de Jacob Tremblay. Simplemente un imperdible del 2015

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9

Trev29Dec 27, 2015

"Room" delivers strong on all fronts from beginning to end. It is intimate and emotional. The movie is guided by two terrific performances that are among the best of the year.

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10

geo333Dec 17, 2015

Room its' driven by its amazing performances led by Jacob Tremblay, Brie Larson that make it an excellent film. Packed with touching scenes wonderful dialogue creative environments that contribute to the already beautiful film. In the end;Room its' driven by its amazing performances led by Jacob Tremblay, Brie Larson that make it an excellent film. Packed with touching scenes wonderful dialogue creative environments that contribute to the already beautiful film. In the end; Room should be among everyone must watch films as its one of the best films of the year.… Expand

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10

marceliniJan 10, 2016

Alucinante de principio a fin. La vi junto a mi familia y nadie dijo una palabra hasta 10 minutos despues que hubo terminado. La actuación del niño sobresaliente por decir lo menos. En una sola palabra ESTREMECEDORA.

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1

thebigsickfanJan 7, 2018

Disturbing and completely stupid - don't waste your time on this mind numbing stupidity. Read a book instead!

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8

GreatMartinNov 13, 2015

Joy (Brie Larson) was kidnapped at the age of 17 and 2 years later gave birth to her son Jack (Jacob Tremblay) by her kidnapper Big Nick (Sean Bridgers) where we meet them as Jack celebrates his 5th birthday in the 10 X 10 room, a shed, theJoy (Brie Larson) was kidnapped at the age of 17 and 2 years later gave birth to her son Jack (Jacob Tremblay) by her kidnapper Big Nick (Sean Bridgers) where we meet them as Jack celebrates his 5th birthday in the 10 X 10 room, a shed, the only place he has ever known, never going outside. What he knows of the world outside of the shed he has seen on the small TV set they have or been told to him by his mother.

The shed has a small sink, 2 chairs, a tub, a bed, a small table, a toaster oven and a closet where Jacob is put in by his mother every time Big Nick comes to rape her. The room is decorated with drawings by the boy and his imagination sees all the things as his friends and the world visible from the very small, very high skylight unimaginable though his mother teaches him to read and explains all the things he sees on the TV as being real.

We spend the first 50 minutes with mother and son, with short visits by their kidnapper to abuse her, in what could be a claustrophobic segment but we watch the mother use discipline with her son making him exercise, learn to read, follow oral hygiene, break eggs, learn how to cook and use his imagination. Without telling too much one of the most touching scenes for many reasons is when the pair make a cake for his 5th birthday.

The second half of the film deals with their escape--leave logic at the door as it is the only misfire by director Lenny Abrahamson--and what happens to the mother and son coming into the real world.

Based on her book and writing the screenplay Emma Donoghue does a good job holding our interest in both segments but I wish there had been about 5-15 minutes more regarding the relation between Joy, her mother (Joan Allen), her father (Willaim H. Macy) now divorced, and their reaction to getting their daughter back 7 years after she was kidnapped.

Allen does a excellent job, Macy is wasted in no more than a cameo though his reaction is important to his daughter's freedom. Bridgers, looking like your next door neighbor, is menacing in his lack of looking menacing while Tom McCamus, as the new man in Allen's and now also in the Joy and Jacob's lives is underplayed.

Brie Larson is strong, weak, protective, questioning, as the mother who wonders whether she could have done better by her son after doing all she could while they were prisoners.

Jacob Tremblay is a revelation as 5 year old Jack whether it be using his imagination about the outside world or when he gets there dealing with it. There were a few times he was incomprehensible on the soundtrack where he does some key narration but just by looks and action he carries the scenes whether alone or dealing with the adults.

This sounds like it may be a depressing film and the theme certainly isn't a light one but Jacob Tremblay, at 9 years old, lifts the film up with his acting, his open face and looking at the world with wonder, showing that children can handle life better than most adults.… Expand

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9

NickLikesMoviesDec 19, 2015

A beautiful and heart wrenching film powered by phenomenal, outstanding performances from Brie Larson and breakthrough star Jacob Tremblay. An air tight script and swift direction boost Room into so much more than a relationship between aA beautiful and heart wrenching film powered by phenomenal, outstanding performances from Brie Larson and breakthrough star Jacob Tremblay. An air tight script and swift direction boost Room into so much more than a relationship between a mother and son, but rather a subtle and poignant film about life and the world.… Expand

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9

MeritCobaMay 2, 2016

Oh yes, Room. It has great bits! They shine more than the not so great bits.

The first half of Room is no doubt the strongest part. A young woman, Ma, en her five-year old son, Jack, are locked up in a chamber with no windows, one skylightOh yes, Room. It has great bits! They shine more than the not so great bits.

The first half of Room is no doubt the strongest part. A young woman, Ma, en her five-year old son, Jack, are locked up in a chamber with no windows, one skylight and one locked metal door. Who are they, why are they there?
The why isn't even the most interesting bit, it is how they get through the day and how they plan to get out of it.
For a moment I was confused about Jack. He looks like a she, so I figured he was actually a she, but Ma had created the pretense she was a he(are you with me?) to protect Jack, but I was a bit too fast in my thinking.
Halfway through the movie the two have escaped and somehow I got the feeling that the movie was about to wind down just to pick up again as to wind down yet again and pick up yet again..and so on. There is intense moment when Ma is interviewed and asked if she shouldn't have let Jack be brought away by her captor when he was just a baby. It doesn't feel like a question, it feels like a judgement.
It is also intensely gripping how she slowly falls apart once she is actually free. A vital part of her life has been stolen from her and it rips her apart now she isn't in the room where the scope of ambition and possibilities is just to get through the day.

However there are some less shinier bits. For brevity I will discuss the most glaring one. This movie feels like there is a deeper meaning behind it all. Is the room a metaphor for life? Are we in a room without windows and the only connection to the rest of the world is a television; a one way communication device that isn't even a reliable representation of the world? The television is a place of wonder for Jack and Ma has to explain to him that some things are real(which Jack seems to find strange) and some are not(which he finds to strange as well). The world is larger than Room, but Jack has a hard time to believe it. The metaphor creeps up again when the subject of suicide crops up. Did ma not consider it? Is the Room life from which we can escape by committing suicide? Neither the metaphor nor suicide are addressed. The movie focuses on the drama.

Room is a gripping tale of a young woman and her young son in a serious predicament and its aftermath. It has two powerful acting performances by Brie Larson as Ma and Jacob Tremblay as Jack. That alone is worth a look. Any deeper meaning however seems lost in the telling of the tale, but perhaps I just missed it. But since I did I give it a eight only. Correct me if I am wrong.… Expand

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10

moviemitch96Nov 21, 2015

Easily one of the most hauntingly and emotionally powerful films I've seen all year! Despite not being a completely faithful adaptation to the just as powerful book on which it was based, author Emma Donoghue successfully delivers a more thanEasily one of the most hauntingly and emotionally powerful films I've seen all year! Despite not being a completely faithful adaptation to the just as powerful book on which it was based, author Emma Donoghue successfully delivers a more than satisfying adaptation for the film that leaves all of the most important and essential things intact, but also even improves upon certain moments in the book! As for the acting, words simply can't describe Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay's performances! I can honestly say right now that there's no justice on this earth if Larson doesn't win the best actress Academy Award this year! The amount of emotional and heartbreaking heft she gives in her performance is amazing and undoubtedly the high point of her career to date! Tremblay is also very much worthy of at least a nomination, as he gives what I can only describe as the best child performance I've ever seen! He's the rare instance of a child actor that never felt annoying or irritating in the slightest and truly poured his heart and soul into his performance just as much as Larson's. The film also managed to get me choked up quite a few times and by the end it made me realize just how much damage and suffering can be done to a person and last, even when the worst of a situation is over, but at the same time, it also made me realize how strong we can all be deep down in our ability to overcome even the worst as long as we have family or someone there for us. Overall, it's without a doubt the most hard to watch, heartbreaking, but also most beautiful film I've seen all year! It's a film that truly humbled me and is a shining and welcome reminder that the human spirit and will is indeed alive and well!… Expand

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10

TimbarosJan 27, 2016

A mother and her son are trapped in a room and can’t escape in the very dramatic and suspenseful film ‘Room.’

‘Room’ will take your breathe away. It’s one of the most talked about films of the year, deservedly so, with performances thatA mother and her son are trapped in a room and can’t escape in the very dramatic and suspenseful film ‘Room.’

‘Room’ will take your breathe away. It’s one of the most talked about films of the year, deservedly so, with performances that are top notch. It’s an adaptation of a novel called ‘Room’ written by Emma Donoghue, who also wrote the script. And what a script it is. Although the film takes place in just a few locations, it feels like it goes far and wide.

It’s a plot that could be ripped from the headlines: a young teenage girl was kidnapped at the age of 17 by a stranger and is held captive in a shed in his backyard with the young son who was born out of an unwanted sexual relationship with him – they call him ‘Old Nick’ (Sean Bridgers). Brie Larson plays Joy, and Jacob Tremblay is her son Jack, and both are superb. They survive in that shed, with gray concrete walls. it’s a room (or as they simply call it ‘room’), where they are held prisoner. It’s got a skylight, a kitchen, a toilet next to the bed, a closet where Jack sleeps, a plant, and a mouse that pops out every now and then. And five-year Jack knows of no other life than the life he’s led in room. He doesn’t really know anything about the world outside room, and he thinks that what he sees on television is make believe, and not real people acting. When Old Nick pays visits to room for his sexual pleasure with Joy, Jack hides in the closet, and Joy refuses to let Nick touch him, or even to see him. But Joy has an idea that might work to get her son out of room, and when the idea takes place and works, Jack is suddenly thrust out into the world. If you’ve seen the trailer you know that Jack and his mother have escaped room, but it’s the five or so minutes when this happens that is the most suspenseful and compelling five minutes of this film, of perhaps any film, you will have seen for years. But Jack has to adjust to the outside world, a world he’s never been exposed to. This includes being exposed to other people, including his grandparents, the divorced Nancy (Joan Allen) and Robert (William H. Macy), and Nancy’s new husband Doug (Matt Gordon). And Joy has to adjust being out of room as well – it’s an adjustment that’s not an easy one. Told from Jack’s point of view, we see through his very young eyes this brave new world that he knows nothing about, grandparents that he’s meeting for the first time, and more important leaving room where he had lived all of his short life.

‘Room’ is a story about survival, emotions, and the tight relationship between a mother and her young son. It’s masterfully directed by Lenny Abrahamson who is responsible for holding our attention throughout the entire movie. It’s also credit to the actors who bring this story to life. Told from Jack’s perspective who is in every scene, we see his freedom as a rebirth of sorts, with Joy being his world in and out of room. Only seven when he was cast, Tremblay captures, and holds us, in his every scene. It’s incredible that a young boy his age has so much range that he displays in the film. He’s simply incredible. It’s a shame that he didn’t receive a BAFTA, Oscar or Golden Globe nomination for this film, it’s the performance of the year. Larson is excellent as Joy. Larson rose to fame in her award-winning performance in 2013’s Short Term 12. She just deservedly won Best Actress at the Golden Globe Awards and is now the front runner for the Best Actress Oscar. But it’s Tremblay who steals the movie. He’s simply just amazing. ‘Room’ has been nominated for the Best Picture Oscar – deservedly so.… Expand

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9

alwayswatchingJan 4, 2016

Room is the story of a mom (Brie Larson) and her son (Jacob Tremblay). Brie plays a single mom living in a small room and struggling to raise the kid. Their room is cramped and old, she has a hard time putting food on the table, and theyRoom is the story of a mom (Brie Larson) and her son (Jacob Tremblay). Brie plays a single mom living in a small room and struggling to raise the kid. Their room is cramped and old, she has a hard time putting food on the table, and they cannot afford candles for the the kid's birthday cake.

As the movie progresses, more complex and difficult aspects of their lives is presented to the audience. The kid has never left the room and TV is her only outlet to the outside world, which he does not believe in.

The movie ultimately turns into a story about facing reality and accepting its harsh consequences. It becomes about opening your mind to new things even if they are inconvenient and hard to accept, even if they go against your intuition and believes.

As the kid is struggling to accept the outside world, the mom does whatever she can to keep him safe and happy. But the mom starts to doubt her decisions and actions, too. She realizes that she was not necessarily the best mom and she could have done things differently. This time the kid protects the mom and keeps her happy.

Director Lenny Abrahamson knows how to display the full range of emotions. "Room", as well as his previous work, gives you hope, disparity, joy, sadness, and everything in between.… Expand

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9

ydnar4Dec 26, 2015

Room is one of the most brilliant ambitious films that I have ever seen. Very few films can take a premise like this and completely run with the ball. The story is very intriguing throughout and the characters are easy to love because theyRoom is one of the most brilliant ambitious films that I have ever seen. Very few films can take a premise like this and completely run with the ball. The story is very intriguing throughout and the characters are easy to love because they are in such a difficult spot. The acting is outstanding. Brie Larson finally shows the world that she is a leading woman after spending several years in the supporting cast of films like 21 Jump Street and Trainwreck. Larson is undeniably likeable and brings such realism to her role. It will be interesting to see what her next projects will be. Then you got Jacob Tremblay, who delivers one of the best performances I have seen from a child in all of film. Tremblay's character Jack is an imaginative, and curious young boy and he portrays that beautifully as well as bringing a sense of innocence to the young character. Room will certainly get some attention at Oscar time for the Screenplay, Acting and possibly Best Picture.… Expand

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9

NerdConsultantJan 18, 2016

Room was a truly beautiful movie about a mother and son going through and recovering from horrific circumstances from the director of Frank that manages to expertly tell it’s story that will leave a lasting impact as well as greatRoom was a truly beautiful movie about a mother and son going through and recovering from horrific circumstances from the director of Frank that manages to expertly tell it’s story that will leave a lasting impact as well as great cinematography and fantastic performances from Brie Larson and Jacob Trembly. If there is a negative it’s that the film is based on a novel and some moments feel very much like it belongs more in a novel than the film because it doesn’t quite translate to the screen but that’s a nitpick… Expand

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10

VorheesDec 27, 2015

Room provokes the viewer from the opening scene and the senses of haunting, thrill, heartache and redemption are flawlessly carried throughout the entire film. One of the rarest films that made me cry (three separate times) while stillRoom provokes the viewer from the opening scene and the senses of haunting, thrill, heartache and redemption are flawlessly carried throughout the entire film. One of the rarest films that made me cry (three separate times) while still holding an immaculate positive, viewing experience. Larson and Tremblay are incredible and this movie emotionally hits you much longer after you've left the theater.… Expand

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8

moviecritic68Feb 17, 2016

A very touching emotional screenplay. Well acted by each character. A movie which makes you think about the plight of others in society. The rating is spot on ..... I give it an upper 8 level. Absolutely recommend to others.

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10

GentM2015Apr 24, 2016

Room is directed by Lenny Abrahamson and stars Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Joan Allen, Sean Bridgers, and William H. Macy.
The film is about a woman named Joy "Ma" Newsome who was abducted and held captive in a room for seven years, and herRoom is directed by Lenny Abrahamson and stars Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Joan Allen, Sean Bridgers, and William H. Macy.
The film is about a woman named Joy "Ma" Newsome who was abducted and held captive in a room for seven years, and her son, Jack who is five years old and has been living inside that particular room his entire life. The film follows their attempt at escaping from that place and as we see through Jack's eyes, his experience of the outside world for the first time in his life.
This is definitely at the top of my best movies of the year, simply because it is incredibly done and perfectly portrayed. Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay give some of the best performances I've ever seen in my life in any movie what so ever. The kid, Jacob, is phenomenal and surprisingly he carries it all throughout. You'd think that an amazing actress like Brie, and her character would be the center of the movie but that's actually not the case. As she says so in the movie, her kid saves her many times, and that goes to show just how different and amazingly done this movie really is.
The director (Lenny Abrahamson) also did a very good job here, as he kept us interested and entertained through the first part of the movie when they're in the room. That is really hard to do, considering that there are not much things to do or a lot of different ways to go about it but this director did it. The music composed by Stephen Rennicks is very touching and gives those very much needed and present emotional moments meaning and heart.
I think that one of the main reasons as to why this movie worked so wonderfully well was the screenplay written by the author of the original book that this movie is based upon, Emma Donoghue. More movies should take notice of this and be loyal to the main source because that's the best way to succeed at making an adaptation.
I pretty much loved everything about this movie, it was touching, filled with incredible performances, very good cinematography, great directing that conclude to the perfectness that this movie is.… Expand

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9

TheKavehJJan 24, 2016

ROOM has to be one of the best films of 2015. The film is emotional, beautiful, and is a must see movie. Jacob Tremblay and Brie Larson are both phenomenal, and the whole film is just so perfect.

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8

EpicLadySpongeFeb 1, 2016

A movie that actually works for both users and critics everywhere! You'll pull out any amazement with Room and you'll pretty much enjoy it the same way as I did.

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10

themattman2Jan 28, 2016

All I can say is, “Wow.” The best movies to me are the ones that make you sit and think afterwards. A good action/adventure movie is good, but a really good drama can really hit you.

A girl is kidnapped at 17 and forced to live in a lockedAll I can say is, “Wow.” The best movies to me are the ones that make you sit and think afterwards. A good action/adventure movie is good, but a really good drama can really hit you.

A girl is kidnapped at 17 and forced to live in a locked garden shed. Now it’s 7 years later and she has a boy (played by Jacob) who just turned 5. To ease his life, she has led him to believe that their “room” is all that there is to the world and reality.

They do eventually get out. That’s not a spoiler, because the trailers and even the movie description says so. Don’t worry, that’s not ruining the ending. Though exciting and suspenseful, it’s not the end of the movie. Imagine writing a review for The Great Escape without dropping the bombshell that the prisoners escape at some point. Spoiler Alert.

The best part of the movie is in the acting, particularly the young Jack (played by Jacob). You see a full range of emotions in him that would be expected on an older actor, yet at the same time he is innocent, as a boy should be. You see fear, anger, and best of all wonder. You can see when he’s trying to puzzle out an idea. You feel triumphant with him at times. The movie makes you want to cheer out loud at parts. There were even some scenes were I wondered if the young Jacob would be able to pull off the needed performance. He does, and quite well.

And then you can feel the tragedy in the whole situation. Young Jacob isn’t the only top-notch actor here. The mother and the entire supporting cast are quite good. The movie shows wonder when it needs to show wonder and it shows pain when it needs to hurt.

The cinematography is wonderful. Most scenes are shot from the young Jack’s view, sometimes too close, off-angle, or slightly out-of-focus. Here it adds to the emotions that Jack is showing.

I don’t know about a “feel good” movie, but it is certainly a “feel” movie.… Expand

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10

CaliColoradoMar 28, 2016

Room blew me away. It is such an horrific possibility. To think that things like this are actually capable of taking place in the world is saddening. The selfishness and cruelty depicted seemed so real. I felt so sorry for the mother (theRoom blew me away. It is such an horrific possibility. To think that things like this are actually capable of taking place in the world is saddening. The selfishness and cruelty depicted seemed so real. I felt so sorry for the mother (the abuse she had to endure was just numbing). The child was so beautifully portrayed ...this movie was an amazing achievement brought to life. The acting was excellent, the directing was superb... the message was clearly heard and viewed... this movie was an experience. Bravo to all involved.… Expand

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9

bttrmoviesFeb 2, 2016

“A young woman and her 5-year-old son are held captive in a single-roomed shed behind a man’s house, closed off to the outside world.” Sounds like a downer, right? I felt the same when I first read the description of Room. However, there was“A young woman and her 5-year-old son are held captive in a single-roomed shed behind a man’s house, closed off to the outside world.” Sounds like a downer, right? I felt the same when I first read the description of Room. However, there was a second half to this synopsis that I missed, which I will paraphrase: “After they manage to escape the room, the son, Jack, discovers this newfound world and the beauty within it.” (And no, that’s not a spoiler; it’s shown in the trailer and is mentioned on its IMDB page). I walked into this film apprehensive and ready to be feeling depressed afterwards, and to my pleasant surprise, I left feeling quite the opposite. There’s a word to describe Room that might catch you off-guard: hopeful. Yes, believe it or not, Room is a film that will leave you feeling hopeful and optimistic; a sense that you can overcome any obstacle, no matter how overwhelming it may be.

The acting in this film is astounding all around, particularly from our two leads. Brie Larson (who plays the mother, Joy) gives the performance of her career. I’ve been a fan of Brie Larson since I first saw her in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (a personal favorite of mine) and she has yet to underwhelm me. When I saw Carol, I thought for sure that Cate Blanchett would be taking home the Best Actress Oscar this year; that is, until I saw Room. This is a very talented young actress who you’ll surely be seeing a lot more of post-awards season. This brings me to Jacob Tremblay, who plays Jack, the son and main focus of the film. Here is a kid with more acting chops than anyone his age should have. As superb as Larson was, Tremblay steals the show. The film is shown entirely through Jack’s perspective (an element that turned a potentially middle-of-the-road movie into something unique and special), and it would not have worked had Jack not been such a believable character. Jack was born while Joy was captive, so “room” (as they call it) is the only world he knows. There are a few scenes of Jack discovering things for the first time where, I’ll admit, I got a little misty.

This movie would not have worked as well as it did without the direction by Lenny Abrahamson. He perfectly captures the child’s perspective, somehow making the single room they’re held in feel bigger than it is, which is exactly how a 5-year-old would see this world that he has known all his life. There are many shots where you see through Jack’s eyes, and it’s exactly how someone that age would interpret and understand those certain situations. Emma Donoghue also deserves praise for writing the screenplay (which is based off the book that she also wrote). I’m on the fence about authors who also write the screenplays to their film adaptations; sometimes they work incredibly well (Gillian Flynn with “Gone Girl”) and sometimes, not so much (Suzanne Collins with the first “Hunger Games” movie). I’ll be adding Emma Donoghue onto the list of ones that worked. Jack’s voiceover was so descriptive and flowed so well, it felt like it was ripped right off the page.

My only complaint about Room - and this is a nitpick - is that it sort of loses momentum in the middle. Thankfully, things pick back up in the third act and makes the slight lull forgivable. Overall, I loved this movie and can’t wait to watch it again. I know that this is high praise for my first review (and trust me, they will NOT be all positive), but this film just happened to be incredible and even climbed to the #3 spot on my Top 10 of 2015 list, which is why… Expand

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8

The3AcademySinsJan 17, 2018

Room is a triumph of film. This movie can get gut-wrenching, and the performances from Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay are awe-inspiring. The script is incredibly real to life, and my only real complaint is that some of Brie Larson'sRoom is a triumph of film. This movie can get gut-wrenching, and the performances from Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay are awe-inspiring. The script is incredibly real to life, and my only real complaint is that some of Brie Larson's character's scenes later in the film lack the impact that they had earlier in the film, but other than that, this one is a great film to watch.… Expand

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9

annbdMay 1, 2018

This movie got me really bad. From beginning to end I was impressed. The whole acting was perfect. This little kid will shock you with it's performance, that makes you wondering how it is possible for so young child to play so naturally. ItThis movie got me really bad. From beginning to end I was impressed. The whole acting was perfect. This little kid will shock you with it's performance, that makes you wondering how it is possible for so young child to play so naturally. It is just like for him that movie was reality. Completely unbelievable.… Expand

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0

notjustJul 17, 2016

A dreary film. Written for middle-aged menopausal women with a predictable script. A waste of 2 hours of my life. Not even one second on tension or intrigue.

5 of 12 users found this helpful57

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10

MattyiceFeb 26, 2016

A powerful, well-acted, and engaging film absolutely worthy of the Oscar nomination for Best Picture. Brie Larson is superb, the film is beautifully shot, very emotional, has a very interesting plot, and has great messages too. Simply put,A powerful, well-acted, and engaging film absolutely worthy of the Oscar nomination for Best Picture. Brie Larson is superb, the film is beautifully shot, very emotional, has a very interesting plot, and has great messages too. Simply put, its a magical film that I strongly recommend. One of the best of 2015.… Expand

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6

oDjentoFeb 4, 2016

Room was based on a book that was always going to be up for an Oscar if adapted to screen, but the film didn’t fully hold my attention all the way. The most intriguing and haunting part of the film is the first act within the room. It reallyRoom was based on a book that was always going to be up for an Oscar if adapted to screen, but the film didn’t fully hold my attention all the way. The most intriguing and haunting part of the film is the first act within the room. It really nicely builds up the characters and explains their situation nicely along with how they feel about it.
The film is kind of narrated by the distorted view of Jack (who I sweaaaar was a girl) and it is interesting to see how he views things, despite his rather irritating but annoyingly understandable tantrums – I couldn’t emapthise with them because I can’t see it from his point of view but I totally understood why he had them which messed me up a little.
The film is flowing nicely whist in this room and is shot claustrophobically but also in a way that makes the room seem larger than it is (possibly to adumbrate the girls view of the room whilst only having been living in it alone) and this is a unique directing technique. I applaud this first half. However, as soon as the second half rolls onto the screen it loses its touch and becomes a unwarrantedly at times pessimistic story that has predictable story elements and characters that lose focus. The traumas of the outside world feel vapid and flat compared to the ones of the room, and therefore the film loses its focus.
Nevertheless Brie Larson brings a good performance but not as deserving of an Oscar as other nominees, she basically knows when to cry, when to shout and when to be nice and despite doing these well lacks any sort of originality to her role especially in this original kind of script. This does not mean she is bad, just possibly a little over praised that’s all, I did enjoy her role.
The child is does a great job especially considering he is a child actor.
A unique and for the first half emotionally exhausting film, but saunters and permeates too much in the second and thereby loses focus. Not as strong as his previous film.
6.5/10
P.S. I would’ve really liked a Tommy Wiseau cameo or “The Room” mention in the film. Not appropriate? Probably not bearing in mind the subject matter of the film but still, would’ve made my day.… Expand

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8

Xan_RyilFeb 19, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Room is one of those few movies which maintain the crisp of the literary work they originated from mainly because the same person wrote it for screen adaptation. If it were a young adult novel with fan following, studios would have teared the novel into at-least 2 movies so when one watches it, should remember that he is getting double the fun and why not, Room is a powerful movie with all the elements a blockbuster entertainer lacks these days.

We open our eyes to the screen and we are in a small room with two inhabitant. We spend a substantial amount of time in that tiny room but never we ever feel suffocated because of the freshness maintained by the director and drop dead performances by both Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay. One wonders if it is going to be a usual torture or survival movie but it is bigger then that. It is very much common that movies are taking a more realistic and social approach towards crises then that of only physical ones.

Room is based on a very strong idea and is made by a brilliant director. Performances are of worth watching. Brie Larson is magnificent, although much appreciation should be given to the casting director who opted for her, as most of the praise Brie is getting, is due to the persona she brought to the movie which is different then regular cry baby. And that was the decision of who ever casted her as they at that time gave the movie something other lacked. Jacob Tremblay is brilliant in his role and it's very disappointing to see that many of the award organizations have over looked his work.

Although the script is very strong and to the point but the Jacob's escape from the room seemed little weaker. Second half of the movie was much inspired from Irwin Winkler's 'At First Sight' and Clind Eastwood's 'American Sniper. Brie's performance is very good but not as much as she is getting rewarded. As I explained, it's mainly her personality which brought something new into this genre of movie. Rest of the cast were good too. One last mention is for the art designer who worked on the interior of the room which kept us interested in it all the time we spent there.

A work of art in the head of a blessed team.… Expand

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8

RatedRexFeb 6, 2016

Great performance highlights a different kind of drama. The actor playing the little boy showed emotion and range that I've never seen Jack Nicholson display. The only real flaw is that it seems unlikely that a person in a simple woodenGreat performance highlights a different kind of drama. The actor playing the little boy showed emotion and range that I've never seen Jack Nicholson display. The only real flaw is that it seems unlikely that a person in a simple wooden shed, for seven years couldn't have found a way to escape. She could have kicked in one of the wooden planks. Other than that the movie was outstanding.… Expand

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3

AxeTFeb 5, 2016

The Academy nominates this after school special for Best Picture along with its not ready for film school graduation director when there were so many more accomplished films snubbed as well as masters like Steven Spielberg and Ridley Scott.The Academy nominates this after school special for Best Picture along with its not ready for film school graduation director when there were so many more accomplished films snubbed as well as masters like Steven Spielberg and Ridley Scott. What a disgrace!
Though the acting is fine, however nothing so exceptional, the movie to its greatest detriment suffers from poor structure which absolutely minimizes its emotional impact. A good director would have restructured the novel. Instead this neophyte stays faithful because he has no balls. The cheap video look chosen delivers a made for TV movie (not the good kind), and even worse are the quick news style zooms which is the first thing a total amateur does in trying to make a film; or what many veterans do under the total fallacy that it makes the audience believe in the reality on screen more. I saw a phony let's play make believe production from start to finish. And so much has been made of the movie's limited locations and the difficulty in crafting a compelling story within such confines. Firstly, that is misleading to what is actually the case here. Secondly, this little movie was of course infinitely easier to make than so much other grander, more logistically difficult fare was. That's a fact.

Boycott the Oscars not for lack of diversity (an absurd lie by the left, the record of their choices over the many years clearly speaks for itself), but for sheer incompetence in shamelessly falling for sucker content over actual quality of movie-making.… Expand

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4

csw12Dec 17, 2015

The movie is simply a bore. The first 30 minutes are dreadful and while Larson gives a steady performance, the child is annoying. Room has pockets of decent film making but you will probably need a cup or coffee to last the two hours.

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5

hotfromcauldronOct 25, 2015

A five year old boy learns "if you can’t go back to the womb you better be a good fighter ".
A woman questions her motherhood - between her selfishness and selflessness.
Yet with these two interesting character arcs and an unusual premiseA five year old boy learns "if you can’t go back to the womb you better be a good fighter ".
A woman questions her motherhood - between her selfishness and selflessness.
Yet with these two interesting character arcs and an unusual premise there is “Room” to grow in this adequate film. The problem lies in the fact we are let into their world the moment they try to escape it .
And cheated of the most critical decisions by the victim and the most crucial years of growth for the boy.
There is no exploration of nature vs. nurture or maybe even attachment parenting. And so we are left with one must assimililate back into society as say a newly released prisoner or soldier from deployment - the other must be reborn like “Charly” with neither story totally satisfying - held together by two great performances.… Expand

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6

JamesLJan 30, 2016

Another film that did not deserve a nomination. I will give them credit for trying to tackle this from the emotional /psychological angle instead of a simple crime drama. However, they broke no new ground and barely dented those issues in theAnother film that did not deserve a nomination. I will give them credit for trying to tackle this from the emotional /psychological angle instead of a simple crime drama. However, they broke no new ground and barely dented those issues in the second half. To be fair, it would take more than two hours to tackle the scope of what I think was intended. Instead of an Oscar quality film, you got a cable quality film.… Expand

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8

drlowdonOct 27, 2018

Five year old Jack and his mum live their entire life in a single room with just a small skylight to glimpse the outside world...

Adapted from the novel of the same name it is clear that some of the plot has been cut in order to fitFive year old Jack and his mum live their entire life in a single room with just a small skylight to glimpse the outside world...

Adapted from the novel of the same name it is clear that some of the plot has been cut in order to fit everything into a two-hour run time. Despite this Room is still an effective movie anchored by excellent performances from young Jacob Tremblay and Brie Larson and is certainly worth a watch.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

WiscoJoeNov 23, 2015

If Pixar made a Lifetime 'woman in peril' movie of the week, this would be the result. Despite strong performances and screenplay that faithfully adapts the source novel, this movie serves as an example of how difficult it is to translateIf Pixar made a Lifetime 'woman in peril' movie of the week, this would be the result. Despite strong performances and screenplay that faithfully adapts the source novel, this movie serves as an example of how difficult it is to translate first-person narration to the big screen. Having the entire movie seen through the eyes of a five-year-old character that is incapable of understanding the wider world, let alone the trauma that is surrounding him, starts out as a neat conceit, but ultimately drains the movie of tension, catharsis, or any sort of insight beyond general platitudes about motherhood, survival, and the nature of existence.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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7

fungusgnatAug 6, 2016

Five-year-old Jack and his Ma live in a shed that Jack calls “Room.” The reason they live in a shed is because (pseudo-spoiler!) the shed’s owner kidnapped her before Jack was born and expects sex from her at his pleasure in return for whatFive-year-old Jack and his Ma live in a shed that Jack calls “Room.” The reason they live in a shed is because (pseudo-spoiler!) the shed’s owner kidnapped her before Jack was born and expects sex from her at his pleasure in return for what he sees as her “having it pretty good” overall. That’s a pseudo-spoiler because it comes only a quarter of the way in, but because without that info you will until that point wonder just what the hell is going on, but because, given the relentless spoiler-rich hype that most films receive these days, you will undoubtedly know that much by the time you initiate the stream or pop the DVD into your player anyway. The best reason for that “pseudo,” though, is that you may have already read Emma Donoghue’s novel. For, while Donoghue has afforded this story as sympathetic a treatment as you might hope a screenwriter would for her own novel, seeing the movie is no substitute for reading the book, or, to put it another way, the book is a better book than the movie is a movie. Naturally, Jack’s first-person voice, one of the book’s great charms, is mostly lost here (and Donoghue, probably wisely, does not attempt to reproduce it). But beyond that, some aspects of the book that could have been reproduced here are not translated to the screen as effectively as they might have been. Examples include the watershed scene at the halfway point, which was at once hilarious and unbearably tense in the book, or Ma’s setback in the second half.

But okay, telling people to read the book (or at least read it first) is a weasely way out of a movie review. If the movie piques your interest and the book doesn’t, you will probably find the film an engrossing and affecting story—one that may touch you with its faith in the durability of love and the resourcefulness of the human mind and heart under outrageous stress. Good marks to all involved.… Expand

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8

EludiumQ36Aug 27, 2016

Well crafted, thought provoking film about a topic that's in the headlines every 10 yrs or so. I appreciate that the film went further in the boy's timeline than most treatments would have, and that it confronted some issues many of us hadWell crafted, thought provoking film about a topic that's in the headlines every 10 yrs or so. I appreciate that the film went further in the boy's timeline than most treatments would have, and that it confronted some issues many of us had wondered about. When watching this, don't get discouraged during the First Act, within The Room. There are two or three Acts that follow which helps it be brought to completion. Keep your Kleenex/Puffs nearby.… Expand

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10

NoxiousJun 25, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Room was an amazing movie, especially for my viewing experience. I heard absolutely nothing about it until I saw a critic suggest it on this website. I went straight to watching the movie, knowing absolutely nothing about it. From its ability to question your own psyche, your sympathy, mother/son relationship, to suspense and everything in between the movie was amazing. I'm glad I did not see the theatrical commercial release, because that would have slightly diminished my viewing experience. I dd not know whether they would make it out alive, but if you saw the previews, you would have known otherwise.

Made me reflect on my own childhood a lot and bring a large sense of nostalgia of experiencing the world for the first time. I thought the boy actor was outstanding.… Expand

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8

Iky009Mar 4, 2016

Indisputable say it is one of the most beautiful films I've seen so far, the beginning is painful, you support all the time, for them to leave that depressing prison, Jack grows in a small space, we never saw the world as it really is, inIndisputable say it is one of the most beautiful films I've seen so far, the beginning is painful, you support all the time, for them to leave that depressing prison, Jack grows in a small space, we never saw the world as it really is, in when you see how big the world, he discovers something new, even though reluctantly and accept his new life, giving gradually and opening up to a new life. It's a beautiful film, sad but very moving, sensational film… Expand

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9

LeZeeFeb 24, 2016

Discovering a whole new world beyond the 4 walls.

We all know the German folk tale 'Rupanzel', and this is a similar kind with entirely different motive. All the above it is not a fairy tale set in the medieval period, but inspired by manyDiscovering a whole new world beyond the 4 walls.

We all know the German folk tale 'Rupanzel', and this is a similar kind with entirely different motive. All the above it is not a fairy tale set in the medieval period, but inspired by many real events of the present era. A couple of years ago I saw a German movie called '3096 Days' based on the true story. When I heard of this movie is being made, at first obviously I remembered that title, but after seeing the poster alone convinced me not the same. Automatically the expectations rose, and now it's got the 4 Oscars nominees, including the best motion picture.

The both halves of the movie were entirely different from each other like the two sets of story, but the core of the theme remains same. The first half was a crucial part that takes place completely in a single room with a minimal cast. It does not go through the intro, just begins to tell the story like it's already happening and you might take a few minutes to realise the state of condition. The next half is a reaction to what happened in the previous. And again this is also an important storytelling section because like the title, it was not all about the room, but beyond that 4 walls and its roof and floor like how it affected the mother and son.

"If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."

The movie does not talk about the crime feature at all. Not even considered to reveal behind the motive. So the other side mystery remains as it is. The whole narration was one sided, everything was seen through the eyes of a five year old boy. He begins with the line 'Once upon a time...' like a fairy tale, because it is to him and with his cute little performance along with Brie Larson's, the movie briefs their struggle for freedom.

It was a too casual opening, like nothing bad is really happening, just they're weird people or maybe agoraphobia, except they're not. You know when we say we love to be kids again to escape this complicated adult life, sometimes we won't mean it except it was a normal reaction to the situation we're in. But what if a five year old boy wants to be four again when her mother thinks its time to him know what the real world looks like. Yeah, that's a too much to take in for a young boy, but that's the best chance they had to break free from the psycho who put her mother in that room.

"When I was small, I only knew small things.
But now I'm five, I know everything."

It was a tidy place, but the camera angles were impressive. I know it was shot in a studio with a wide open space behind the camera, but that does not the viewpoint in the actual story. When the first half ends, it is an indication of the good parts are over, at least that's what I thought of, but what came after was the unexpected expansion in narration. Usually most of the similar tales end in that part itself like for example 'Prisoners' and the rest is understandable stuff that won't be shown.

When a tale had a ending like 'happily ever after', still some people desire for it to continue a few more minutes to know how happy really they are and that's what this film's second half. Remember, most of the similar themes have multiple perspectives, like how victim's family is coping with, cops are pursuing the suspect, abductor's plans and motive, and captives struggle. Like I said it was all about what a mother and her son goes through those years in captivity and after that.

There were some suspicious characters and events like I had a bad feeling over the doctor's soft talking, also the mother-son's master plan when in captive. Those are tiny diversions to viewers assume differently against where the story is heading. It is all about the mother and son's mental trauma, especially for the little boy similar to when Tarzan is in a big town for the first time leaving behind his other life. It was a perfect pace as well, neither hurried nor a slow development. The movie was a big break for many, especially for the Irish director, and Brie Larson and of course for the kid. Definitely one of the finest movie of 2015 and a must watch.

9/10… Expand

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7

chidimeFeb 15, 2017

Good movie. But the last half was quite boring. They could really have done better. That's the only reason it's a 7 not a 9. Also, why is Brie Larson getting an Oscar for this? If anyone should get an Oscar, it should be Jacob Tremblay.Good movie. But the last half was quite boring. They could really have done better. That's the only reason it's a 7 not a 9. Also, why is Brie Larson getting an Oscar for this? If anyone should get an Oscar, it should be Jacob Tremblay. Brie's acting was, if we're being honest, basic. Not bad, not spectacular. Just regular.… Expand

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7

TheMetacritiqerAug 28, 2016

After watching Brie Larson on SNL, I became interested in her. So the natural progression was to see the movie that got her famous. I didn't care for the boy. And it should have been shorter. Especially since that there is too much time leftAfter watching Brie Larson on SNL, I became interested in her. So the natural progression was to see the movie that got her famous. I didn't care for the boy. And it should have been shorter. Especially since that there is too much time left after the escape. But I was satifried (yes thats a burger king reference. who cares no ones going to read this anyway) with Brie in it so therefore I liked the movie. And I'm looking foward to see her in more roles. Like Captain Marvel.… Expand

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5

sqrivenerJan 6, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The first half of the movie builds nicely, taking its time to give the audience answers to the growing mountain of questions, but this movie ultimately lets its cast down. Just when the movie seemed like it should be reaching a climax of sorts at the halfway point, I felt totally let down and manipulated as if the script had pulled a sort of dramatic bait and switch: a 5 year old boy who has never encountered a single thing beyond the confines of his 10 by 10 world and has only recently been made aware of the differences between "Room", television, and the rest of reality is in no way remotely prepared to do what he did with as much composure as he did. The whole second half of the movie was a complete farce.

Instead of deeply damaged victims with complex issues, mom and son are replaced by mildly troubled doppelgangers who just need to learn how to establish a few personal boundaries. Perhaps it works best as a book, but the movie had no real conflict or motivation in the second half, just a smattering of "issues" which all seemed neatly isolated from each other and tended to resolve themselves, each in turn, in the most banal ways. It's supposed to seem natural, but ask people to describe the plot in the second half of the movie a month after they've watched Room, and be prepared for a vague struggle to frame any sort of meaning to it. Even the surge of suspense that was resuscitated when they returned to "Room" quickly evaporated as it became clear that nothing was left behind, physically and psychologically. What a let down.

This movie just whimpers out, offering nothing but a lifeless collection of semi-dysfunctional family dynamics to serve as juxtaposition to the stark and compelling world of "Room" as described to us by the mind of a naïve, innocent five year old captive. We should have stayed in the mind of that boy and we should have been terrified and afraid for the destruction of everything he came to know and understand. Instead, he sniffled a bit about missing Room, got toys and his own bed and a friend, etc. and was all better. The End.

What a waste of the first half of a good movie.… Expand

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10

TributeManFeb 28, 2016

ARCYDZIEŁO

Pokój to arcydzieło. Mało jaki film mnie wzruszył, a w tym przypadku stało się to kilka razy.
Nie ma o czym tu pisać, ponieważ wszystko jest wykonane idealnie. Każdy powinien to zobaczyć.

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6

PrashunFeb 5, 2016

There it is the first movie of the award season which I did not think much of. Don't get me wrong it's a decent but thoroughly average film. The movie starts out promisingly and does a couple of things right, makes no mistakes but doesThere it is the first movie of the award season which I did not think much of. Don't get me wrong it's a decent but thoroughly average film. The movie starts out promisingly and does a couple of things right, makes no mistakes but does nothing special or extraordinary with the situation. I gave the movie the benefit of the doubt and was hoping the psychological aspects of the film would step up in the second half but it didn't do so, the second half completely changes the situation for worse, there are new problems to deal with and the movie goes about them in it's usual half committed way which was prevalent in first half. The acting is definitely the strong suit of the film, Brie Larson is amazing and I would be ok with her winning the Oscar, though I didn't think much of the film I thought she was great. The kid played by Jacob Tremblay showed amazing depth and variety for a young child. The weakness of the film is direction, it does not capitalizes on it's setting, it has no great scenes and does not visually grab you at anytime (I am not reading a book I am watching a movie), also sometimes Brie Larson's character is quite inconsistent and unrealistic sometimes, she shows very few signs of PTSD, it sometimes feels she was trapped in Room for weeks not seven years, not her fault though, another misstep by the director, along with not capitalizing that Jack maybe better off without Joy (it touches so less on the REAL issues it's infuriating).… Expand

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8

smiyamotMar 5, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. What a surprise! This was not the movie I was expecting. The first half was how the mother and son maintain themselves under the circumstances of being confined in a small room for 7 years (think prison cell or POW.) The second half was how they maintain themselves in the outside world, which present no less trying circumstances. This underlying theme reminded me of "Shawshank Redemption" and the prisoner Red.… Expand

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10

PanchogulFeb 8, 2019

Tardé mucho en ver esta película, es sumamente maravillosa y emotiva, increíble de principio a fin.

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7

FM99Dec 30, 2015

good movie with good idea, The First half was wonderful The Second half not so much is could be better, Jacob Tremblay should nominate for the oscars and Brie Larson also, They do a great performances

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9

AquaMorphFeb 24, 2016

I was not a fan of Frank. It was well directed but I just found it uninteresting. Room is completely different, it is much more human. The film strikes a wonderful balance between hope and despair. It's unpredictable and devastating.

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7

will2econdFeb 12, 2016

This movie is interesting right from the beginning. Creative concept, the movie emotional tugs you which is important. The movie allows us to put ourselves in that particular situation as well. Great acting by Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay.This movie is interesting right from the beginning. Creative concept, the movie emotional tugs you which is important. The movie allows us to put ourselves in that particular situation as well. Great acting by Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay. Great story for anyone to enjoy. Worth a watch.… Expand

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10

JohnMcQFeb 29, 2016

Room is honestly the most emotional film watching experience you will go through this year. Lenny Abrahamsson somehow manages to make the audience feel incredibly anxious for the two characters locked in the room and yet somehow feel likeRoom is honestly the most emotional film watching experience you will go through this year. Lenny Abrahamsson somehow manages to make the audience feel incredibly anxious for the two characters locked in the room and yet somehow feel like there is a world of space in that tiny room. Jacob and Brie are so terrific in this film. Jacob Trembley, who unfortunately has been majorly snubbed throughout this awards race, creates and plays this character with such grace and maturity its mind-blowing. Keep an eye out for him in the future along with Brie Larson. Her nuanced performance is one for acting masterclasses.… Expand

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8

pureshoresMar 25, 2016

At first it felt like a prolonged episode of the TV show Criminal Minds. When that part of the movie finished I thought, "what are we gonna do now?" I've been so used to the routine of the agents saving victims one episode after another thatAt first it felt like a prolonged episode of the TV show Criminal Minds. When that part of the movie finished I thought, "what are we gonna do now?" I've been so used to the routine of the agents saving victims one episode after another that I became callous to the fact that each and every survivor get to live their lives after a very traumatic experience. And it's hard to understand what was going on in the mind of the mother and I realized that's how it's supposed to be. Also I'm glad that they didn't explore further what happened with her kidnapper because doing so is like giving him power. Great acting from both stars, there were some very powerful scenes that makes you thankful for the life you're living now no matter how mundane it would seem.… Expand

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6

CalibMcBoltsMay 30, 2016

'Room'' might very well be one of 2015's best movies, however I seem to be in a minority of not liking it 100%. ''Room'' is a very special movie, a one of its kind really, the story was original, the acting was one of the years very best, but'Room'' might very well be one of 2015's best movies, however I seem to be in a minority of not liking it 100%. ''Room'' is a very special movie, a one of its kind really, the story was original, the acting was one of the years very best, but it missed a dramatic flair and some scenes dragged on for too long and a noticeable off balanced structure of acts.
Room may be an annoying film for some (including me for some parts) thanks to its impressive and original initial premise and frustrating because of all the missed opportunities.
However the chemistry and love/hate relationship between ''Ma'' and Jack is impeccable and a feast to look at.

Room has great potential, but soon in the movie it decides to leave behind all the possibilities/potential for a more solid and overwhelming drama, which is good but could've been great.

Overall ''Room'' is a very good film, but not flawless and ''the best in years'' like many people are claiming it to be.… Expand

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8

HarriganMtvBlogJun 7, 2016

Over the past few years, I have tried to expand my movie selections by checking out Oscar-nominated films. Today, I finally got around to checking out 'Room'.

Starring Brie Larson and youngster Jacob Tremblay, 'Room' centers around aOver the past few years, I have tried to expand my movie selections by checking out Oscar-nominated films. Today, I finally got around to checking out 'Room'.

Starring Brie Larson and youngster Jacob Tremblay, 'Room' centers around a mother and son that live in a very small single room. It isn't revealed where the room actually is at first, but Joy 'Larson' is frequently visited by a man her and her son, Jack, refer to as Old Nick (Sean Bridgers). Old Nick comes to Joy seemingly for sex, and to give them small amounts of amenities at a time.

Joy reveals to Jack, after his 5th birthday, that she was taken by a man that asked for help with his dog and has been in 'room' for 7 years.

Jack has never left 'room' and has no concept of the outside world, though Joy tries her hardest to explain things. Joy tries to escape 'room', including Jack in her plans to trick Old Nick. She succeeds in faking Jack's death so Old Nick can dispose of his body, wrapping him in a rug and telling him to run once he's able to. The plan succeeds and the police eventually find and free Joy.

Joy and Jack, after being released from the hospital, go to live with Joys mother and new step-father (as her parents divorced while she was missing). Joy has trouble re acclimating with the world, going so far as to attempt suicide, while Jack, slow to take to the world at first, begins to thrive in it. Jack's strength ultimately gives Joy strength as they move on with their lives.

The story is both heartwarming and heart-breaking. Seeing how Joy and Jack had to live, being prisoners for years was awful yet inspiring to watch. Joy's love for Jack is what kept her going all along. Both actors were marvelous in this film and it is one I would recommend checking out.

My rating: 8 out of 10… Expand

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7

slickserpent99Aug 15, 2016

Room is endearing, entertaining, and emotional. However, the only thing that made me want to keep watching was finding out why Jack and his mother were being held captive. The first two acts are the film's best points, where we are kept inRoom is endearing, entertaining, and emotional. However, the only thing that made me want to keep watching was finding out why Jack and his mother were being held captive. The first two acts are the film's best points, where we are kept in suspense and emotionally invested. However, once Jack and his Mother are free, the film feels like it has nowhere else to go now that Jack has seen the outside world. I thought Jack's introduction to the outside would be a lot more drawn upon and emotional, but Jack only seems to be that way for about 10 minutes, from where the film shows the everyday life of Jack now living in the outside world. No other significant events took place, and Jack's mother's attempted suicide comes and goes, with hardly any relevance to the plot. Where Room excels is at providing amazing performances and an intense first and second act, while the rest of the film seems bloated and unnecessary. I would recommend Room if you like emotional movies, but if you want thrilling films, I wouldn't recommend watching it.… Expand

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10

MasterRileyJul 23, 2016

Room is probably now one of my favourite movies. I love the simplistic idea of the film and the fact it focuses more on showing you information rather then telling you. You begin watching the film unaware of the context of the film or theRoom is probably now one of my favourite movies. I love the simplistic idea of the film and the fact it focuses more on showing you information rather then telling you. You begin watching the film unaware of the context of the film or the character's situation. You need to have patience in order to see the context of the film unravel. It truly was an incredible experience watching this film. It has exceptional writing, great casting and great performances. I recommend this movie to anyone who has not already seen it.… Expand

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7

vartAug 7, 2016

''Room'' is a unique film that focuses on the relationship between a mother and her son in a hostile enivironment.Brie Larson's performance is captivating while Jacob Tremblay is a reveation to each viewer. Joan Allen's performance is''Room'' is a unique film that focuses on the relationship between a mother and her son in a hostile enivironment.Brie Larson's performance is captivating while Jacob Tremblay is a reveation to each viewer. Joan Allen's performance is fantastic and so Sean Bridgers as Old Nick and Tom McCamus as Leo. William H. Macy is a great actor and i can't understand why they gave him a minor role. The screenplay of this film is based on a novel by Emma Donoghue and i can confirm that it has been adapted so well by the writer of this novel. The director Lenny Abrahamson guides the viewer in this film from the eyes of Jack, the 5-year old boy. He himself is an achievement for this film. However the film leaves you with unanswered questions and that will not satisfy some viewers. The film is very special and not all viewers will be satisfied from the result.… Expand

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10

greatjumel08Aug 5, 2016

One of the best movie ever. Room is an excellent way of showing about love, hope, bravery, family, hope, and moving on. I never get bored even if the setting was held in a closed room for almost an hour. Plus great actors are in. LOVE - theOne of the best movie ever. Room is an excellent way of showing about love, hope, bravery, family, hope, and moving on. I never get bored even if the setting was held in a closed room for almost an hour. Plus great actors are in. LOVE - the love of a mother to her child is really unconditional, unexplainable. The film proves that a mother and child relationship is as strong as mountains and like a water flows into the river, it is unstoppable. HOPE - when they are inside the room, they felt despair but not stronger as their hope to get out. Their hope helped them to live in undesirable place. BRAVERY - the film illustrates that in life, we need to risk, we need to risk even our lives are at stake. The bravery of her son set them free. FAMILY - when both of them finally get out of the room, and away from the criminal, their family is their resort, is their shield of their vulnerability. MOVING ON - at the end, when they go back again to the room they used to live, there is this tone of moving on. Moving on is a vital in the story as they live again in a normal way. Enjoy watching! You'll never regret it.… Expand

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9

SomePersonaFeb 14, 2017

It is a story about a kidnapped and abused woman that is surprisingly done in a very quiet, passive, and comfortably subtle way. The humble, safe tone of the movie works surprisingly very well, and the movie is very heartwarming andIt is a story about a kidnapped and abused woman that is surprisingly done in a very quiet, passive, and comfortably subtle way. The humble, safe tone of the movie works surprisingly very well, and the movie is very heartwarming and thought-provoking as a result.… Expand

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7

20maedasJan 17, 2017

It was a great movie. I would recommend this to everyone. Even though I haven't read the book, I found the movie very enjoyable and thrilling. I liked it very much.

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9

wevertonaguiiarMay 10, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "Room" é mais do que ter a sua adolescência roubada; é mais do que passado 7 anos da vida trancada e sendo violentada. Room é sobre a relação de uma mãe com o seu filho; sobre como essa relação, esse laço é mais forte que qualquer coisa no mundo. Jacob Tremblay e Brie Larson é a melhor dupla do cinema em muito, muito tempo. O que eles fazem aqui é de tirar o chapéu: em nenhum momento parece que eles estão atuando, nas primeiras cenas do filme eles já estão estabelecidos como Jack e Joy. O filme é dividido em dois atos, e eles são bem trabalhados. Fica a sensação de que tudo foi bem posto pelo diretor. Na maior parte do tempo, o filme é incômodo; e mesmo após conseguirem a liberdade, Jack e Joy têem dificuldades de se adaptar há uma realidade diferente do que conhecem. Room é quase perfeito, emocionante, incômodo, e é também um dos melhores filmes de 2016.… Expand

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8

BryceHarperFeb 23, 2018

Viggo Mortensen from 'The Road' is the best father figure I've ever seen on the movie. Likewise, Brie Larson from 'Room' did exactly the same feat.

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8

beeanadouMay 20, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The real world is welcoming but unavoidably partly malicious, and I see why the grandma divorced her ex.… Expand

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10

garmonboziaAug 29, 2018

One of the best movies of all time. This is a movie about so many things that it is hard to write about it. It's a story about love, survival, overcoming traumas and fears, opening to the world, discovery, wonder, closure and openness. SomeOne of the best movies of all time. This is a movie about so many things that it is hard to write about it. It's a story about love, survival, overcoming traumas and fears, opening to the world, discovery, wonder, closure and openness. Some parts of the movie might seem a bit naive but I look at it as
a fairy-tale about the bond between a mother and a child. "Room" is filled with emotions and I cried like a baby several times. Brie Larsen received Oscar for her performance in the movie (she was great), but for me - little Jacob Tremblay is the star of "Room". He was robbed!!! of Oscar. He should've been nominated in the "best actor in a leading role" category. He was so natural in the movie. The scene with his "uncle" Leo when they are eating cereal for breakfast and talking about dogs - I've never seen a child actor so convincing in a scene. And there were many scenes where this little boy showed his incredible talent. Emma and Lenny gave us a beautiful story out of something very dark and disturbing. I love the fact that Jack was everything to Ma (she loved him so much) - although he came into this world as a result of a horrible act. I will love this movie forever.… Expand

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9

TheMadHareMar 29, 2019

This is the art of simple storytelling. Dramatic but no crazy action. However, I can't help but feel glued to the story. Brie Larson's acting is spectacular here, but I find it sad that she's making Captain Marvel seem like her big movie. IThis is the art of simple storytelling. Dramatic but no crazy action. However, I can't help but feel glued to the story. Brie Larson's acting is spectacular here, but I find it sad that she's making Captain Marvel seem like her big movie. I saw Captain Marvel before Room and if I never saw room, I would've said Larson was a mediocre actress. Obviously that's not the case. I hope I can see her preform more like she did here in Room and not a shallow shell with no personality. Jacob Tremblay is one of the few amazing child actors I've seen currently along with Dafne Keen. I hope more films can be character-based like this in the future and not just some cookie-cutter blockbuster film. Those films are fun, but none of them make me sit and think for weeks which Room has made me do 9.4/10.… Expand

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9

UnstoppabullMar 12, 2016

Great movie. Watched it with my girlfriend after seeing the metacritic score. We had no idea what we were in for. Damn the story was worked out well. I didn't like the last 30 or so minutes. I had the feeling that if the movie ' ended ' afterGreat movie. Watched it with my girlfriend after seeing the metacritic score. We had no idea what we were in for. Damn the story was worked out well. I didn't like the last 30 or so minutes. I had the feeling that if the movie ' ended ' after 1 hour and 10 minutes it would've been more impressive than with the ending it had right now. Watch this movie, it's a must see!… Expand

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9

kyle20ellisMar 14, 2022

That review summary may sound very oxymoronic, but to me it applies to a film such as 'Room'. A film with a difficult subject, that is the stuff of nightmares, but tells it so beautifully with an interesting approach that works better thanThat review summary may sound very oxymoronic, but to me it applies to a film such as 'Room'. A film with a difficult subject, that is the stuff of nightmares, but tells it so beautifully with an interesting approach that works better than all the potential traps that films of its genre could fall under.

What could have easily have been told in a lurid, gratuitous way (being inspired by the true-life case of Josef Fritzl) is instead told in a careful and restrained way. There is even an innocence in 'Room', due to its very fascinating decision to tell it from the viewpoint of a five year old, in this case Jack, one that comes off very movingly and gives a sense that there is a little ray of hope in a seemingly hopeless situation. The source material, equally brilliant, is to be thanked here, its author Emily Donoghue adapts it to screen here and none of its power is lost.

Really appreciated the careful and restrained approach to the storytelling in 'Room', and for me and many others it was something different considering the subject. It does though affect some of the pacing in the middle act, where a little of the tension seen in especially the first part is lost a little.

For my tastes too, though it probably did fit the film's younger and more innocent viewpoint it's told from, the music score does lay it on too thick with the treacle.

However, loved how the story was told and its approach. What 'Room' also strongly benefitted from being told this way was that the mother and son relationship was able to shine through and really resonate, which it may not have done as effectively with a heavier tone. And shine through it does, with great charm and poignancy. Also appreciated that none of the characters were painted too black and white, even Old Nick.

Production values are effectively claustrophobic and the nocturnal parts chillingly nightmarish. 'Room' is beautifully directed by someone who understood how claustrophobic thrillers worked, how mother and son bonds do in dire situations do and the ability to combine both to ensure a powerful experience. A directing job that's both unsettling and empathetic. Similarly 'Room' is written with effortless skill and deft thoughtfulness.

Can't find anything to fault the performances. The superb one of Brie Larson, that was a very worthy Oscar (Golden Globe and Bafta too) win in her category, is an obvious starting point, but one mustn't overlook the beyond-his-years turn of young Jacob Tremblay, one of the best child acting performances in recent years, and William H Macy and Joan Allen both giving some of their best work in years. Sean Bridgers also gives much more to what could have been a standard cliché role.

Overall, great powerful film but the somewhat fascinatingly unconventional (for the genre) way the story was told won't work for some. 9/10 Bethany Cox… Expand

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9

FilipeNetoJan 2, 2021

When I didn't know if there were films that could surprise me, this film was able to do that. I believe that it is not a perfect film, there are some flaws and weaknesses in the script, if we have time to analyze it more deeply. After someWhen I didn't know if there were films that could surprise me, this film was able to do that. I believe that it is not a perfect film, there are some flaws and weaknesses in the script, if we have time to analyze it more deeply. After some reading I realized that the film is based, very vaguely, on a real situation that occurred in Austria just over fifteen years ago, and that it was a true horror film turned into reality.

The film is profound and touching in many ways. First, because it brings us a cruel history of deprivation of liberty, rape, abuse and suffering. Second, because it tells us all this from the innocent perspective of a child who has never seen the world beyond the room where he was born, and where he lives imprisoned with his mother, at the hands of a cruel man, who is also his biological father, but that the film will make clear that he is not the boy's father. And in fact, what father would deserve to be treated as such after doing something like that to a son, isn't it? The film is truly beautiful and elegant, and wonderfully harmonizes the child's perspective, who sees the world and things in his own way, and the mother's perspective, which is basically ours too, and who has a clear sense of what is happening and the drama they're experiencing.

Despite the harshness of the story told, the film never assumes itself as a thriller or a drama. In fact, there is a touch of fairy tale that greatly softens the tone and ambience. At no time did we feel truly tense, despite the situation of the characters being tense and not envisaging much success. The second half of the film is even smoother and more luminous, and shows how mother and child will try to rebuild their lives and their families after all that tragedy.

The film does not have a big cast, and the characters have plenty of time to develop and take on complex psychological nuances and contours. The most developed and interesting are clearly the Mother and her son, Jack. And Brie Larson was amazing at how she brought this desperate and brave mother to life. She was capable of one of the most breathtaking and professional dramatic and interpretive works I have seen in some time, and deserved the awards she received for this film in all fairness. Jacob Tremblay, who brought Jack to life, also deserves congratulations. Apparently, and despite his young age, he already had some experience as an actor when he made this film, but there is no doubt that we rarely see actors so young shining so completely. He did a better job than many adults would have done, I am sure of that. And the way both actors interact in front of the camera is magnificent, dignified, credible and genuine. I also really liked the work of Joan Allen and Sean Bridgers, although the film does not reveal what happens to the villain, who just disappears.

Technically, it is a superb and intelligent film. One thing that I observed carefully, and that I did not want to miss, was the quality of the dialogues, in particular Jack's monologues, in which he makes very pertinent and intelligent observations to the world around him. It is wonderful to enter the child's mind and see the world through his eyes. Cinematography is equally extraordinary, especially in the first half of the film, due to the way the camera manages to convey the feeling of being in such a limited space. The setting and the smallness of the entire physical filming space clearly helped and the construction of the whole set and costumes was also a smart bet on the part of Lenny Abrahamson, who ensured the direction of the film. It is a slow-paced film, with time for many reflections and ramblings that never seem to be too much in the film. The soundtrack is quite good, but it does not distract us from the essential, which is the story told and the relationship between that mother and her child, and between that child and the new world that opens up for her.… Expand

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7

Cual79Jan 24, 2021

The movie is basicaly a revengeless version of spit on your grave, the acting was great, the concept and tone were very interesting but IMO it would have earned an extra point if they at least said they caught the guy

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5

meydianarizkiJan 8, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Loved and enjoyed the storyline... It's not everyday you find a movie so close to reality and of topics many shudder to mention
It's really a shame this could be the future many await as kidnapping young woman and holding them captive is very much a reality uptil now The emotions and behaviors that were portrayed is not what we expect out of movies but is very much a reality Jack's role was magnificent, who would've ever thought a child can play a role so very well and I can very well say Trembley will definitely be a role model to future child actors... He has my vote for the future
Although I did feel it gave itself a look of a ducmentary more than a movie, although it was a happy ending but Old Nick was one character they never showed much about... Was he married, where did he vanish to, do they ever find him again and why did he kidnap Joy only... A lot of stuff which we cannot really find the reason to and a sneak peak of how Joy was actually captured would've made this movie a 5 stars It's a lively and heart touching story nonetheless and deserves recognition so it's still worth an award from my end… Expand

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5

meydianarizki21Nov 10, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Loved and enjoyed the storyline... It's not everyday you find a movie so close to reality and of topics many shudder to mention
It's really a shame this could be the future many await as kidnapping young woman and holding them captive is very much a reality uptil now The emotions and behaviors that were portrayed is not what we expect out of movies but is very much a reality Jack's role was magnificent, who would've ever thought a child can play a role so very well and I can very well say Trembley will definitely be a role model to future child actors... He has my vote for the future
Although I did feel it gave itself a look of a ducmentary more than a movie, although it was a happy ending but Old Nick was one character they never showed much about... Was he married, where did he vanish to, do they ever find him again and why did he kidnap Joy only... A lot of stuff which we cannot really find the reason to and a sneak peak of how Joy was actually captured would've made this movie a 5 stars It's a lively and heart touching story nonetheless and deserves recognition so it's still worth an award from my end.… Expand

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8

All_ButTrU4Jan 3, 2022

Emma Donoghue’s screen adaptation of her own book is superior in every way to the novel which was told in a style that would not be to everyone’s taste. The story of a young woman abducted of the street and kept prisoner in a garden shed forEmma Donoghue’s screen adaptation of her own book is superior in every way to the novel which was told in a style that would not be to everyone’s taste. The story of a young woman abducted of the street and kept prisoner in a garden shed for seven years, during which time she gives birth to a son now five, could have failed on so many levels. Therefore, it is great to report that director Lenny Abrahamson has done an incredible job in finding the perfect visual style with which to tell this potentially small and insular story. In the first half he resolutely refuses to be enslaved by the claustrophobic confines of the room itself keeping the camera up close a lot of the time on the faces of his actors, trusting in their ability to keep the viewer engaged. Precise editing and interesting camera angles also help the film achieve a seamless fluidity that one never dreamed could be possible from reading the book.
The actors are outstanding. Brie Larson makes her biggest impact ever as the mother prepared to sacrifice all for her son and, as the boy, Jacob Tremblay is just magnificent. That such a mature and natural performance has been achieved by one so young is truly astonishing. It is fair to say that in lesser hands the quality of the film would have been compromised without his level of performance. The success of the film ultimately hinges on the believability of the child and young Mr Tremblay delivers in spades. Joan Allen pops up as grandma adding fireworks to one scene in particular, but William H Macy is totally wasted. The film is on occasion genuinely moving without being overly manipulative, although the lovely score does play some part in this. It is easy to see how it won the audience award at Toronto as I’m sure most people who see it will love it.… Expand

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10

MrScallopsJun 19, 2019

"Room" is an emotional drama about the bond between a mother and her child, strengthened by amazing performances from Larson and Tremblay and a script filled with warmth and suspense.

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8

MahmusAug 22, 2019

Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay give incredible performances in this emotional and suspensful movie.

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4

MglovesfunMay 3, 2020

I always find it hard to score a well-made movie that isn't meant to be entertaining. If you enjoyed this movie, sorry, you're not supposed to. 4's a little generous, perhaps, as I did quite like the ending which was positive compared to whatI always find it hard to score a well-made movie that isn't meant to be entertaining. If you enjoyed this movie, sorry, you're not supposed to. 4's a little generous, perhaps, as I did quite like the ending which was positive compared to what came before it.

Due credit to Brie Larson and, in particular, Jacob Tremblay, who was the stand-out performer despite Larson's Oscar win.… Expand

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7

MeeskamstraMar 23, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It started off so great. With happy moments, sad moments and thrilling moments but as soon as they manage to escape the movie gets very boring. It would have been a 9 if had only went on for another 20 minutes after their escape.… Expand

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10

DogeGamer2015Jan 9, 2021

Una excelente película que está bien dirigida, con una muy buena trama y excelentes interpretaciones. ¡TOTALMENTE RECOMENDADA!

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