Director Lenny Abrahamson’s wonderful film adaption of the book “Room,” released on Jan. 22, tells the incredible story of one woman’s resilience and strength as she tries to raise her son while being held captive in a small shed, with no connection to the outside world.
After being kidnapped by Old Nick, played by Sean Bridgers, when she was only 17 years old, “Ma,” played by Brie Larson, is subjected to sexual assault by her captor night after night, until she becomes pregnant with their son, Jack. Since the room is the only thing Jack has ever seen, Ma struggles to tell him about the outside world; about dogs, flowers, cars, etc. As an alternative, Ma creates a whole universe for Jack inside of the four walls.
However, when Jack turns five years old, Ma knows that her explanations for the world will no longer suffice and she has to plan an escape to finally remove herself and her naïve son from this horrible situation.
With incredible wit and impressive acting, Jack and Ma plan a trick that will finally set them both free from the “room” and release them back into the real world where they can finally start their lives. Visions of people, varieties of different foods and hammocks hang in their heads throughout the entire journey to freedom.
“Room” is based off of the 2010 thriller novel written by Emma Donoghue that encases emotions of fear, triumph and sorrow. This novel was on the New York Times Bestseller list and received the title of Most Notable Book of the Year in 2010 by the New York Times. The most captivating part of this novel is how it is narrated through the eyes of Jack, a five-year-old boy, who knows nothing of the world except for the tiny shed in the back of Old Nick’s yard.
Choosing to tell the tale through Jack was an emotional decision by Donoghue. His innocence and his confusion for the world leaves readers heartbroken for the young boy who feels uncomfortable in the world and wants to go back to the familiarity of the “room.” Donoghue also wrote the film adaption, so the story remains true to the original novel.
In the midst of awards season with the Golden Globes, the Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG) and the Oscars right around the corner, the buzz around “Room” has been undeniable. At the Golden Globes, “Room” was nominated for three awards: Best Motion Picture-Drama, Best Screenplay and Best Actress in a Motion Picture-Drama. Although only Larson walked away with an award for Best Actress, film critics and movie lovers have praised this movie very positively for its cast and its incredible ability to show a mother’s frustration and her undying love for her son, both inside and outside of the “room.” Jacob Tremblay, who plays Jack, also won a Critics Choice Award for Best Young Actor/Actress.
“Room” is up for four awards at the Oscars including Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Directing, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture. I believe “Room” has a good chance at taking home at least one of the four Oscars they are nominated for.
I recommend this movie, as well as the novel, to anyone who enjoys thrilling escape scenes and heartwarming moments of unbearable love.
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