Room: a movie review by Toni Susskind
Based upon the novel by Emma Donoghue, I approached Room with a level of trepidation.
After all, the idea of watching a movie about a kidnapped woman and her child living in an 11 foot by 11 foot room, was not what I would consider a feel good film.
Right from the beginning, I was pleasantly surprised to find that instead of wallowing in the unfairness of life, the film instead explored and celebrated the bonds of love between Ma (Brie Larson) and her son Jack (Jacob Tremblay).
Similar to the movie Life is beautiful, where a father protects his child by creating light, hope and joy in a place that is filled with darkness and despair, Ma builds a world of love and enchantment for Jack. This is highlighted by Jack’s narration of the story, as he constantly expresses wonder at different aspects of life.
Directed by Lenny Abrahamson who previously directed Frank, the film received four Academy Award nominations, as well as a Golden Globe Award for best actress, Critics Choice Movie Award for Best Young Performer, as well as a slew of other nominations and awards. The movie boasts a cast of luminaries such as Joan Danner and William H Macey, however, it is Larson’s and Tremblay’s interaction, as well as the depth of their character portrayal, that allows Room to be what it is.
A riveting and deeply emotional film, with a take home message that life is indeed beautiful.
