The Expression Hub

Starring: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay,Joan Allen, Sean Bridgers,Tom McCamus,William H.Macy

Directed by: Lenny Abrahamson

Genre: Drama

“My room was a real way of expressing myself. It was like a little nest that I could settle into.”

Chloe Sevigny

Well, before I jump into the latest pick of this week, a disclaimer- the pick which has been selected by me this week is way too sensitive and can be disturbing for some people. Viewer discretion is necessary. So, if you do intend to watch the same, do watch it at your own risk. This is because though the movie has content which can be disturbing in nature but it also has a powerful message. I , as a responsible blogger always try to ensure that the viewer has an informed choice and is able to have an experience which can be memorable in the right sense and not trigger any feelings of trauma, anxiety or stress which can be triggered due to some stimuli present in the pick which I might be endorsing. After all, an experience needs to be one which is happy which is thoughtful and which gives food to your brain .Isn’t it ?

  So, keeping that in mind, I will try my level best to be as emotionally sensitive I can be because if we put ourselves in the shoes of the characters, you do find that it can be an experience which can be really disturbing to us as well after all we are supposed to have emotions and emotions can be of all sorts . It is high time that we try to accept emotions of all sorts and be human as possible though sometimes the outburst can be too intense to digest and can be really disturbing to process. And I do hope that the viewers or the readers will ensure the same while making the choices in their lives while having their picks. 

Story line: This week’s pick revolves around a 24 year old woman and her son who live in a filthy shed which they call the ‘Room’. The room consists of all their basic needs- a kitchen, a bed, a toilet and a bath with a window on the top which is a skylight. They are captives of a man they call “Old Nick”, who is supposed to be the biological father of the woman’s son. Though the woman tries to be optimistic for her son but in reality she is suffering from malnutrition and depression. However, one day the mother decides to free her son and herself from the Room and venture out in the real world so that her son has interaction with real things. Will she be able to escape the Room and finally venture into the real world? Will she be able to face the outside world with full courage or will she falter? Also, will the man who held them captive will be free or will justice be served to the mother-son duo?

Scrutiny: This is a movie which can be very disturbing in nature yet has a very powerful message . This is because of the portrayal of the main character who has been held as a captive for the last 7 years and is repeatedly abused physically . The impact which that has on her has led her to being malnourished and being depressed. But the only thing that is keeping her going is her son who adds color to her life by his vivid imagination and the activities which they undertake together in that small room . The movie has highlighted as well as very well portrayed the issues of mental health. The movie has also captured beautifully the essence of freedom and the cost one has to pay to obtain it. Realistic and agonizing histrionics of Brie Larson as Joy Newsome just bleeds your heart while Jacob Tremblay as Jack brightens up your day . He is shown to be a symbol of hope and optimism who despite the difficult circumstances tries to be a support to his mother. I believe what is being portrayed is that love does has that ability to protect as well as heal the people. Also, the risk which a mother takes for her son is a thing which one undertakes only in love. Or else why would she even bother to live when she considered her life meaningless?It was that ray of hope in her somewhere distant which seemed elusive but gave her the will to take life as it came.

The Sentiment: This is a movie which I will not call a movie which entertains but a movie which gives food to your brain. This is because it is no fun but is instead an experience which is pretty draining in nature. This one can keep you thinking for hours as to what the mother would have endured. But at the same time, this is also a movie which holds a mirror to the society; and also awakens empathy for issues which are not discussed widely. Do watch it if you are into thought provoking movies and love giving some food to your brain. Else if you are someone who do find these things disturbing and always want the picks to make you feel good avoid it . After all, everyone has different choices and it is okay not to have the same choices. But on the other hand, if you are the one who is interested to understand the nitty-gritty of life then maybe you can consider this provided you don’t end up being disturbed.

Rating: *** and a 1/2 stars

Que: What is the name of the pet dog which Joy’s mother’s partner has?

a. Seamus

b. Jack

c. Peter

d. Leo

Quote-Unquote : “No one is strong alone. You know, you and your mom, you help each other through, don’t you?” (Joy to Jack)