Spare Room

Spare Room, a heart-stirring drama released in 2018, builds a touching narrative around themes of grief, companionship, self-discovery, and redemption. Directed by Jenica Bergere, this poignant story unfolds in a small town where the past, present, and future converge, forcing the characters to confront their deepest fears and hardest truths. The film showcases incredible performances by its relatively small but immensely talented cast consisting of Skyler Samuels, Martin Sensmeier, and Thomas Cocquerel.

The eye-catching and serene rural setting in the USA serves as the stage for the emotional journey that Spare Room offers. Skyler Samuels grabs the screen in a convincing portrayal of Lillian, a young woman who returns to her hometown to care for her sickly and widowed Aunt. Lillian's mundane life goes through a sea change when she decides to rent out one of the rooms in her house to assist with the financial strains of her Aunt's deteriorating health.

Enter Martin Sensmeier, who embodies the character of Hank, a young mentally traumatized war veteran carrying his haunting past like an anchor around his neck. Answering Lillian's advertisement for a tenant, he moves into the spare room. With his brooding personality and shadowed past, Hank is the embodiment of an enigmatic character, evoking both sympathy and intrigue as he becomes part of Lillian’s life in unexpected ways. Thomas Cocquerel's performance as the local cowboy, Nate, adds a touch of rustic charm and balance to the narrative.

As the title suggests, the "Spare Room" serves as more than just a physical space in the household. It becomes a symbolic space where characters reunite with their past, grapple with the present, and envision a new future. It is within the confines of this room that Lillian and Hank begin to form an unlikely bond, navigating through their shared vulnerabilities, coming to terms with their individual pasts and drawing strength from each other. The room lets the audience glimpse into the complexities of human connection, mirroring the hollows and corners of shared memories and silenced stories.

While Lillian’s Aunt’s illness adds an undercurrent of sadness to the narrative, it also serves as a catalyst that forces Lillian to reassess her life and relationships. Dealing with her Aunt's failing health, Lillian is simultaneously tasked with confronting her own unresolved past and making peace with it.

Although described as a drama, Spare Room is not without its layers of suspense. The war-stricken past of Hank keeps the viewers engaged not only in his mysterious character but also the revelations and catharsis that come with it. The film explores themes of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with an empathetic eye, lending a sense of realism to an otherwise dramatic narrative.

Throughout the movie, the Director uses a range of cinematic tools to bring emotional depth and subtlety to the narrative. The camera work is exceptional, capturing the intricacies of the characters' emotions as they navigate their personal struggles. The poignant lighting and framing underscore the movie's melancholic tone. The director’s decision to keep the ravages of war off-screen, focusing instead on the psychological remnants of trauma, allows her to craft powerful scenes that provide glimpses of the silent battles waged within an individual's psyche.

Another remarkable aspect of Spare Room is its soundtrack. The music, filled with somber notes and melodies, appropriately complements the emotional tension, setting the mood for various scenes and enhancing viewer engagement.

In essence, Spare Room tells a tale of struggle, friendship, and healing, all encapsulated within the boundaries of a small town and a shared living space. This enigmatic film leaves its audience with memorable, profoundly intimate scenes and storylines that tug at the heartstrings and linger long after the credits roll.

In all, Spare Room isn't just your typical drama; it is an emotional ballet, providing a beautiful, heart-wrenching example of a narrative that explores deep within the human psyche and explores everyday battles, both within and without. A definite cinematic gem that pushes the viewer to reflect on their perception of life, loss, and the vitality of human connections.