Review: Larson, Tremblay Illuminate The Darkness Of 'room'

Arresting and heartbreaking, wrought with extremes of tension and love, "Room" is as evocative and unforgettable on screen as in the bestselling novel that inspired it. Originally crafted and ingeniously adapted by Emma Donoghue, "Room" burrows itself deep in the mind and becomes a permanent resident. Tenderly and terrifyingly realized by director Lenny Abrahamson, the film succeeds with quiet camerawork and brilliant performances by its two leads, Brie Larson and 8-year-old breakout talent Jacob Tremblay. Tremblay is Jack, the film's sometime narrator, a little boy who lives with Ma (Larson) in Room: a small, windowless space with gray, soundproof walls. A bed and wooden wardrobe fill one corner; there's also a TV, table, sink and toilet. Tremblay is pure magic in this film, deeply gifted and totally natural. "Room," an A24 release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America for language.