Room (2015)

Hard to sit through, and it should be. Lenny Abrahamson tells most of Room from the eye level of a five-year-old who thinks one small shed is the entire world, and that choice is both the film’s genius and its limit. Jacob Tremblay is astonishing as Jack, curious, funny and stubborn the way real kids are, and his little hideout in the wardrobe says more than any speech could. Brie Larson plays Ma as tired, fierce and still so young, a mom running a whole childhood on routine and nerve. The film never turns her pain into a show. Where it slips is the back half, which loosens its grip and drifts, and a couple of strong supporting actors get too little room to work. It made $35.4 million worldwide on a reported $13 million, which is a shame, because more people should see it. An 8.8 because it finds hope in the smallest space imaginable without ever pretending the harm wasn’t real. $2,887 says you hug somebody a little longer than usual tonight.

What works: Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay give two of the most natural performances you’ll see, and the child’s eye view is handled with real care.

What doesn’t: The second half loses some of the first half’s focus, and strong supporting actors get very little to do.

Who it’s for: Viewers ready for a serious, emotional drama about survival and parenthood, and parents especially.