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Review: Room (2015)

Lenny Abrahamson’s Room is an emotionally gripping drama that masterfully balances tension and tenderness, anchored by a tour de force performance from Brie Larson. Hailing from Sacramento (bravo to a local actor on a career-making performance), Larson delivers a career-defining portrayal of Joy “Ma” Newsome, a young woman held captive for seven years, who raises her son, Jack, in a confined 10x10-foot space they call “Room.”

The film is effectively divided into two distinct halves: life within the suffocating confines of the room and life outside as Joy and Jack grapple with the daunting task of reintegration. The transition between these two worlds is stark, offering a jarring yet fascinating juxtaposition of isolation versus the overwhelming freedom—and chaos—of the outside world.

The suspense sequences, particularly those surrounding their escape, are executed with such precision that they leave the audience breathless, as the stakes feel both intimate and monumental. This nail-biting intensity contrasts sharply with the quieter but equally harrowing emotional struggles of post-captivity life.

At its core, Room is a profound exploration of forced adaptation, as both Joy and Jack must recalibrate their senses of self and belonging. Larson’s nuanced performance conveys not only the weight of Joy’s trauma but also her fierce determination to protect her son, earning her a well-deserved Academy Award. Young Jacob Tremblay is also exceptional, bringing raw authenticity to Jack’s wide-eyed wonder and confusion.

With its haunting storytelling and deeply human core, Room is an unforgettable film that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s a testament to resilience, the bond between mother and child, and the indomitable human spirit.

Wren Valentino

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