Room Blu-ray Review

Director Lenny Abrahamson previously offered his directorial hand to the music-inspired Frank and although Room is a completely different genre, his focus on determination alongside a study of being pushed to the limit definitely plays a part. Emma Donoghue adapts her own novel and brings forth a screenplay that breaks apart and explores the human psyche but, very specifically, shows us the love for your kin and how that connection can help you keep fighting to survive even in the most desperate of situations.

Without going into excessive plot detail, Room is separated into two halves – or two chapters perhaps – with one being an intense exploration of the unknown, focussing firmly on the survival of Ma (Brie Larson) and her 5-year old son Jack, played unabashedly truthfully by the extraordinary Jacob Tremblay. The second half is an altered side of the mind, the one that cracks even when you’ve got the support you need. I wanted to compare this setup to that of a play with two characters in a specific place, but the film transcends that restriction because our two leads are trapped against their will in ‘Room’ and it feels like something, strangely, beyond boundaries.

While young Tremblay gives an amazing performance, Brie Larson as Ma fully deserves every plaudit and praise that comes her way. She’s both strong and submissive to order to help her son and because she just wants to survive so everything makes sense, but the real strength is in her actions to plan ahead and stay alive. But saying all this, the film isn’t a heavy thriller because although it explores an extreme scenario it also offers us both beauty and darkness.

 Lenny Abrahamson’s direction manages to balance the horrific reality of where they are while also highlighting young Jack’s innocence. But, as already mentioned, it’s a film that constantly fights between the light and the dark, which includes the tension of when their captor ‘Old Nick’ visits and the boys’ understanding of the world. Ma and Jack manage to have a family relationship but it’s also sat on the crumbling edge of the situation that surrounds them. Larson absorbs the intense conditions around her to stay resilient and, when unravelling, offers us a real and understandable vulnerability.

Room is equally affective at being both heart-breaking and compelling. Brie Larson excels at being a strong Mother for her child Jack and a believable lead character as she struggles to exist in ‘Room’ and manage the vivid imagination of her young son. It’s a must-watch with stunning performances.

Room is available to buy on Blu-ray and DVD on Monday 9th May.