Room (2015)

I just got back home after watching this incredibly moving film about such a sensitive subject. Room stars Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Joan Allen and William H. Macy, which follows the story of a young woman and her son Jack, who are held prisoners in a solitary 10x10ft room. Abducted as a teenager, Joy "Ma" Newsome has endured a traumatic seven years as the sexual captive of a deranged man and through creativity, kindness and pure love, she has shielded her son, born in captivity, from the horrors of their situation.

The performances by Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay are hard to separate. They are part of a symbiotic acting partnership. Without Jack, there is no Ma and without Ma, there certainly is no Jack. Brie Larson poured herself into this role and shows the strength of her character through circumstances that are both abnormal and traumatic. Her son is not aware of life outside of Room and confuses what he sees on their small TV as something fictional. All he knows is this room and the life they have created under the tightly controlled watch of their captor, Old Nick.

I cannot end this post without commenting on the tremendous performance of nine-year-old Canadian actor Jacob Tremblay (who just last night won the Critics' Choice Award for Best Young Performer). There is a depth to his performance that shows not only the lighthearted tendencies of a young 5 year old, but also the emotional connection he shares with Brie Larson. There are several touching scenes and they are truly carried by Jacob's talent and his dedication to his role. The fear, curiosity, boldness and kindness of Jack are wrapped into such a powerful performance, that Jacob certainly deserves all the nominations that have been pouring in for his role as well as Brie's.

I highly recommend going to see this film. The director has handled this subject matter with sensitivity, tenderness and depth that solidifies this film as a strong contender for Best Picture this year. I give this film a 9.0/10 skylights.