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Room

Directed by Lenny Abrahamson

Written by Emma Donoghue

Starring Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Joan Allen

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Room is one of the nominees for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, and it is easy to see why. The meticulously crafted adaptation of the novel of the same name offers plenty in terms of acting, script and emotion (so much emotion) that it's simplicity (in comparison) combats the likes of The Revenant and Mad Max.

I'm going to start my review my saying this. Never in my life have I seen a better performance by a child actor than Jacob Tremblay's in Room. At a mere nine years old, Tremblay shows tremendous acting chops, propelling Room to a level of realism that would not have been had with a different actor: he plays the sweet, innocent role of a child in a messed up world so incredibly well that it is an absolute travesty he was not nominated for any "major" awards. In addition, Brie Larson proves yet again that she is a force to be reckoned with, and she absolutely deserves more mainstream roles. Her performance as "Ma" is stunningly well done, and a sure-fire lock for the Oscar. Between the two of them come some very real moments, that almost make you believe they're related. The concept of Room, that of a kidnapped woman having to raise her son (who came from the kidnapping), and trying to give him the best life possible in the worst conditions possible is depressing, and could have easily been an over-dramatic, too depressing mess, but both the script, direction and the chemistry between mother and son provide enough light-hearted and heart-warming moments that keep the film afloat. It's the perfect blend: it is serious when it needs to be, funny when it needs to be, and emotional when it needs to be (and it is very emotional at times). The ending, without spoiling anything, is beautiful, and the perfect way to end this film. Bravo to the filmmakers on that regard.

The only complaint I had with Room is something that is debatable between all those who watch it, and it is that I found the second half to be very slow in comparison to the first half, and I didn't like that. I could see how some people would, and I commend that they did not add any unnecessary and stupid plot points for the sake of a conflict in the second half (or "Hollywood-izing"), because that would have diminished the emotional impact of the film.

Overall, Room is a beautiful, emotional film that demands to be seen by all. It does an amazing feat by balancing the darkness of the plot with the lightness of a mother/son relationship, which is elevated by the superb acting and great script.

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+ Brie Larson is great

+ Jacob Tremblay is incredible

+ Excellent script

+ Very real moments between mother and son

- Slow second half

9.0 out of 10