Many fans of the best-selling book “Room” by Emma Donoghue were worried when they heard a film adaptation was being produced. Fortunately, the movie was placed in the good hands of director Lenny Abrahamson, whose perfect track record and indie sensibility proved a fine fit for the project.
Between Abrahamson and the performances of the critically-acclaimed Brie Larson and newcomer Jacob Tremblay, all reservations seemed to be put on hold Sept. 20 when it won the Grolsch People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival.
What makes "Room" different from similar claustrophobic dramas is its unpredictability and a unique expansion on a somewhat familiar story. Even the most stoic of individuals may find themselves needing a tissue as the film's characters learn that escape doesn’t always mean freedom.
A naive 19-year-old Joy (Brie Larson) was captured after a man asks her to help him find his lost dog. Seven years later, her and her 5-year-old son Jack (Jacob Tremblay) reside in a shed known to them simply as “room.” Jack was raised believing that only the things in “room” are real and everything outside of it is fake. Yet, Joy and her son need to escape.
Abrahamson was fortunate enough to have Donoghue adapt her own material for the screenplay. What makes the novel so beloved and original was that the story was told through the son's eyes. On camera, this is a little more challenging to do, but the narration used is both effective and in line with the novel’s techniques.
Donoghue’s script is so engrossing and emotional, but tender and light when it needs to be. The first hint of genius, and perhaps the most affecting moment of the film, is when Joy (known to Jack as “Ma”) explains that she was born in the world outside of “room” and that they could go there. Jack's stubborn refusal to believe her which escalates to an “I hate you!” that resonates through the hall felt genuine and illustrated how special Jack is.
In fact, Jack is so well-written that he seems like he could be a real boy who knows nothing about the real world. Jacob Tremblay is a treasure of a child actor and a perfect cast for the role of the loving but reserved Jack. Tremblay works because he has a freedom that is very rare to find in child actors; he never seems hesitant to lose himself in Jack and surmounts to the challenge of the wide range of emotions Jack feels.
Opposite of Tremblay is the young Brie Larson who isn’t new to indie dramas after her critical success with “Short Term 12.” Larson plays Joy with all the sensibilities of a mother but also the concerns of a survivor. Joy becomes a passive force in the second act, but is the impetus of the entire film. Larson is able to command the screen with such ease and proves once again that she can balance down-to-earth with emotional turmoil in equal measures.
From an aesthetic standpoint, “Room” is nothing extraordinary. It feels like the moderate budget indie it is, but that doesn’t detract from the incredible story being told.
One of many standing Os for @lennyabrahamson & cast of #Room! what wonderful people & what a film. @A24 is so proud. pic.twitter.com/c9tuqNV1iF
— A24 (@A24) September 16, 2015
That being said, the third act does feel quite rushed and the ending isn’t as effective and triumphant as the ends of the first and second acts are devastating. “Room” could have used ten more minutes between Joy and Jack and it would’ve really driven home the final themes.
Ultimately, “Room” is a fascinating story that will bring many tears to its audience’s eyes. In fact, I can’t think of anything besides Pixar’s most touching films and "Titanic" that has made me cry more than my initial viewing of this film.
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Reach the reporter at tanner.stechnij@asu.edu or follow @tannerstechnij on Twitter.
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