Irish director Lenny Abrahamson, who made his mark with 2012’s underappreciated thriller What Richard Did, follows up 2014’s festival favourite Frank with this sensitive adaptation of Emma Donoghue’s novel. A much more direct cinematic experience than the intriguing-but-inscrutable Frank, Room leans in to its harrowing subject matter and delivers an uplifting and rewarding tale of love and resilience.
Abramson maintains an authentic sense of hope amongst some pretty awful eventualities, which helps the film elevate itself beyond the potentially TV movie-ready plot.
Brie Larson holds nothing back as the ostensible lead. She’s phenomenal, and very much deserving of the Oscar, but Jacob Tremblay’s performance as her son Jack is so stunning, he more or less asserts his own status as the film’s actual protagonist. He really should’ve been nominated along with her. Tremblay’s frankly incredible composure carries the story through every hurdle, and allows the film to slide into his head with disarming ease.
Many filmmakers attempt to harness the perspective of a child, but Abrahamson really achieves something special in this regard. He forces the viewer to evolve with along Jack, and the child’s sense of wonderment is as palpable as his fears.
It helps make Room a much nicer cinematic experience than, say, Bad Boy Bubby.
Other Superb Films About Child Psychology: Monsieur Lazhar, The Weight of Elephants, Inside Out
