The Room

In the 2019 film, The Room, gifted Russian actress Olga Kurylenko joins forces with Belgian actor Kevin Janssens in a thrilling journey into the unexpected dimensions of human desire, creating an atmospheric and psychologically intriguing narrative.

The Room, directed by Christian Volckman, is an English-language French-Luxembourgish psychological thriller that cleverly combines elements of suspense, horror and drama. The film is replete with breathtaking twists and turns, combined with top-notch cinematography, competent performances and a perfectly-paced narrative to keep the audiences glued to their seats.

Olga Kurylenko plays Kate, a sophisticated woman who, along with her partner Matt (played by Kevin Janssens), aim to start fresh by moving into a conspicuously secluded and antiquated house in upstate New York. Their aim is to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. Kate is an interpreter and Matt is an artist, and their personalities are effectively portrayed through the storyline. Kate’s quiet and cautious demeanor is well contrasted with Matt’s enthusiastic and impulsive attitude, therefore adding more depth to the characters and their relationship.

The screenplay soon takes viewers on a metaphysical journey when the couple stumbles upon a secret room in their new house. This room is peculiar in every sense, having the uncanny ability to materialize anything the occupants desire. From mundane materialistic items to more profound and emotional aspects of life, the room spares nothing. However, the bliss of their newfound luxury soon depreciates as they confront the enigmatic rules and restrictions attached to the room.

The Room ingeniously explores the age-old saying, “Be careful what you wish for,” taking it to a more literal and terrifying level. It dissects the human tendency to want more, dream bigger and not stop until it’s too late. Furthermore, it does not solely focus on the psychological horror elements but also debates moral dilemmas and deep-rooted human desires.

Volckman’s narrative style leaves enough room for interpretation and analysis. Despite the extraterrestrial elements involved in the storyline, the characters remain incredibly grounded, and their decisions, emotions, and reactions feel believable. The Room also leaves an unsettling aura that lingers on even after the film is over.

As the leading lady of The Room, Olga Kurylenko steps up and delivers an exceptional performance. Her embodiment of a woman caught in the maelstrom of greed, fear, regret and love is remarkable and grounds the more fantastical elements of the movie. On the other hand, Kevin Janssens’s portrayal of Matt is compelling. He is effortlessly charming yet flawed, his life choices and his relationship with Kate paint a picture illustrating the darker aspects of desire and ambition.

In terms of cinematic techniques, The Room's cinematography stands out. Whether it's the shots of the interior of the room or the external beauty of the house, every frame is meticulously crafted. The movie also employs an atmospheric musical score that helps set the mood, ranging from tranquil to suspenseful within minutes.

However, The Room is more than just its technical elements. It's a psychological examination of human desire and the consequences of unchecked ambition. It's a cautionary tale about the potentially disastrous effects of getting everything you've ever wanted without the journey or struggle involved in achieving it.

Ultimately, viewers are likely to appreciate The Room for its riveting blend of suspense and philosophical discourse. Its thoughtful examination of materialism and human desire, combined with strong performances and excellent production values, makes The Room a deeply compelling cinematic experience. This cinematic gem is a must-watch for viewers in search of a unique blend of psychological thriller and drama. It surely ensures that, at the end of the film, viewers are left with thoughts to ponder and conversations to initiate.