I was expecting a horror movie, but until the end, I wasn’t horrified. Instead, I was emotionally disturbed, haunted, shaken, and left to wallow in a pool of my own thoughts. I was scared, not of ghosts or monsters, but of us humans, and the extent to which we can go to get what we want when there’s a shortcut.
It reminded me of my childhood, when I used to imagine all kinds of things, like having a tree in our backyard that could grow money instead of leaves, and a fairy princess who could grant wishes.
The Room is a 2019 romance, horror and psychological thriller directed by Christian Volckman, starring Olga Kurylenko as Kate and Kevin Janssens as Matt. It tells the story of a couple who move into a secluded house. While renovating, they came across a mysterious room that can grant any wish. The movie explores their interactions with the room, their growing desires, and the psychological consequences of getting everything they ask for.
Matt and Kate move into an isolated house, with no neighbors in sight. While settling in, Matt accidentally discovers the room’s power after casually wishing for a cold drink, and getting it. He goes on to make more wishes, and they all come true. Soon, Kate joins him, and in no time, their home is overflowing with money, luxurious furniture, clothing, and supplies. They become very wealthy and seemingly happy because they can have anything they desire.
As time passes, Kate asks the room for a baby boy, since all their efforts to conceive had failed. Matt isn't comfortable with the idea, but he can’t bring himself to return the child either.
Soon, Matt becomes curious and begins researching the house’s history. He uncovers the story of the last family that lived there and realizes their story didn’t end well. He also discovers that nothing created by the room can survive outside of it; not the money, not the baby, not even a simple object, making everything they’ve gained effectively useless in the real world.
The plot takes a darker turn as their child begins to show signs of being... off. As he grows, Matt and Kate notice disturbing traits. The child is more than a magical creation; it has its own mind, and its presence slowly disturbs and unravels their lives.
I genuinely enjoyed this movie from beginning to end. Even though some scenes were a bit slow-paced, I was never bored. That might be because the actors did a great job interpreting their roles.
However, this film made me reflect on my own life. If I were presented with the opportunity to have anything I wanted, would I use it wisely, or would I lose myself in greed and defy nature? And what would happen to my emotional and mental state?
Because as far as I know, daily struggles add to the beauty of life. Waking up with a purpose, setting goals, and thinking deeply before investing our energy and time, that’s what makes us human.
So what happens when all those steps are skipped? When we get everything we want without raising a finger?
Like I said earlier, it didn’t quite deliver as a horror film, and that was a bit below my expectations. The storyline had potential for suspense, but just when I expected it to peak, it got saturated. I wasn’t pissed, though. I simply followed along and watched the scenes unfold.
This movie's strength lies in its eerie atmosphere and the way it explores human desire. While it may leave some viewers wanting more in terms of plot tension and clarity, it still leaves a mark. Good enough to earn a 4 out of 5 stars.
I would recommend this movie to adults, especially those who enjoy light romance, horror and psychological thrillers.
