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Room (film)

Room is a 2015 psychological drama film directed by Lenny Abrahamson and written by Emma Donoghue, based on her 2010 novel.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Room is a 2015 psychological drama film directed by Lenny Abrahamson and written by Emma Donoghue, based on her 2010 novel. It stars Brie Larson as a woman held captive for seven years and Jacob Tremblay as her five-year-old son, who has never known life outside the room. The story follows their escape and the boy’s first experiences of the outside world.

Plot

The film follows a mother and son living in captivity in a small room. After they escape, the story shifts to Jack’s first encounters with the outside world and the family’s psychological adjustment.

Cast

Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay lead the film, with supporting roles by Joan Allen, Sean Bridgers, Tom McCamus, and William H. Macy.

Awards and reception

Room earned several major nominations and won multiple awards, with particular recognition for Brie Larson’s performance. The film received four Oscar nominations and Larson won Best Actress.

Production

The film was directed by Lenny Abrahamson and written by Emma Donoghue, who adapted her own novel for the screen.

Key facts

  • The film is adapted from Emma Donoghue’s 2010 novel.
  • Brie Larson plays Ma, a woman held captive for seven years.
  • Jacob Tremblay plays Jack, her five-year-old son.
  • The plot centers on their escape and Jack’s adjustment to the outside world.
  • The film received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director.
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Canadian context

The film is closely connected to Canadian readers because it is based on a novel by Irish-Canadian author Emma Donoghue and stars Canadian actor Jacob Tremblay.[1]

Frequently asked questions

What is the movie Room about?
It follows a woman and her five-year-old son who are held captive in a room, then explores their escape and the boy’s first experiences of the outside world.
Who stars in the movie Room?
The film stars Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay, with Joan Allen, Sean Bridgers, Tom McCamus, and William H. Macy in supporting roles.
Is Room based on a true story?
It is based on Emma Donoghue’s 2010 novel, which was inspired by real-life crimes, but the film itself is an adaptation of that fictional work.
How old is the boy in Room?
The boy, Jack, is five years old.
What awards did Room win?
Brie Larson won the Academy Award for Best Actress, and the film also earned major wins for her at the BAFTAs, Critics’ Choice Awards, Golden Globes, and SAG Awards.
Where was Room filmed?
The provided sources do not clearly state the filming location for the 2015 film Room.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Room_(2015_film)
    Supports: Director, writer, cast, plot, awards, and adaptation details.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3170832/plotsummary/
    Supports: Plot details including Jack's age and the mother-son captivity premise.
  3. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/room-2015
    Supports: Context that the film is based on Emma Donoghue's novel inspired by real-life crimes.
  4. No Cat Got My Tongue — https://nocatgotmytongue.blogspot.com/2015/12/room-film-review-heartbreaking-simple.html
    Supports: Unverified mention of Toronto filming location; treated cautiously because it is not a primary source.