WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Adrift. While we of course would desire that life deal us what we consider a “fair hand”, so often this isn’t reality. Or, at least not in full. The obstacles we come against are inevitable, and also seem legion at times, causing us to struggle for answers and solutions. However, it can also be in the midst of such seemingly unconquerable burdens that the most amazing of occurrences can manifest, born out of the most unexpected of situations, with equally unanticipated outcomes.
Homeless and trying to ascertain what his future might hold for any sense of normalcy and improvement, Isaac (Gabriel Adewusi) does his best to survive, mainly having to sleep on the streets of Dublin and eke out any other form of existence he can. On one particular day, an accidental (and literal) run-in with a blind woman named Victoria (Brid Brennan) at the local café leads to a series of events that will not only cause their lives to cross further, but on an even deeper level than either could have known.
Next, my Mind:
The harshness of having no place to call home and its accompanying sense of frustrated melancholy collides with the notions of disability, loneliness, and loss in a manner that so deftly illustrates the very essence of the human condition, our very real struggles, and the absolute need for not just companionship, but sincere CONNECTION. THAT is the core of this recently Oscar Shortlisted effort from Irish director Tj O’Grady Peyton, writer Michael Whelan, producer Colmán Mac Cionnaith, plus executive producers Colin Farrell (Yes, THAT Colin Farrell!), Cormac Fox, Sandro Monetti, Christopher Oakland, Emma Scott, and David Treatman. At minimum, the film is a wonder in being yet another amongst a beautiful and still growing number of high quality, ORIGINAL indie cinematic ventures arriving from Ireland over these last several years, and it is therefore simply amazing to see the trend continuing this Awards season.
Perfectly paced, undeniably poignant, wildly and exceptionally unexpected in its foundational premise, and a portrait of the way we as inhabitants of this shared world SHOULD be towards one another (even in spite of this film’s purposefully unconventional scenario), the stirring narrative sees the actuality of a desperate yet totally affable homeless man and the local blind woman he encounters ultimately altering both of their lives forever through the most atypical circumstances one would imagine. While this in itself is already a mark of triumph for this critic, what adds to the film’s worthiness is simply how relatable, believable, and impactful the events that unfold are, allowing you as the viewer to be utterly invested from start to finish with its fresh narrative approach and just HOW all that we witness transforms your mindset ABOUT everything from the nature of homelessness, coping with loss, firmly living with a disability, etc.
Additionally, it’s a very deftly executed atmosphere of, primarily, dramatic intent that then gets some wonderfully intelligent, wholly endearing situational comedic elements thrown in as well via smartly placed “THAT was close!!” instances which further captivate and entertain you without losing the underlying seriousness of the foundational gist being presented. It constantly paints a tapestry of the bonds people can share, how they can be cultivated so inadvertently and innocently, learned from revelations about each other’s lives, and just knowing BEING THERE is what has suddenly become the best course of action through HELPING someone in need despite our OWN challenges. This is the kind of NEEDED messages this world MUST hear, as I often state, in this day and age of stormy polarization and self-importance. What an example this film IS of what we should strive to attain.
The music score here stood out for this critic as well, as the ethereally emotive nature of it so magnificently suits the story. AND when we come to the film’s third act–WOW! Just, WOW! The finale is nothing short of tear-inducing, fed by a pivotal moment that WILL grab you by the heartstrings and PULL–HARD! It’s achingly affecting yet so unequivocally inspired, yet another facet of distinctiveness that the project offers to enthrall you. Adewusi honestly and with indisputable credibility grabs your attention from the beginning to the end of the film thanks to exhibiting such a magnitude of both fervent, muted energy in combination with grounded vulnerability through his role as Isaac, a man only wishing that life’s path would gain him a better place in it. Finding shelter where he can or otherwise existing on the unforgiving streets of Dublin, a chance interaction while enjoying a meager bite to eat at a local cafe becomes a catalyst for change.
Finding himself in a situation he chooses to, initially, just take advantage of for his own good, albeit harmlessly, the longer he stays the more he starts to realize the plights of his, at first, unwitting “host”. But, when the tide turns and a moment of wrenching yet touching divulgence occurs, it will shape Isaac’s perspectives to newly aware and heartfelt heights. It’s an absolutely wonderful performance that speaks volumes to the film’s themes in a way that is just so convincingly relevant. In a very comparable, equally dynamic, and just remarkably astute manner, Brennan delivers a stellar performance through her role as Victoria, a local Dublin resident who is also blind. Having a brief, but unbeknownst to her OR him, life-changing moment with Isaac at the cafe he’s in one day, the subsequent cause for him to follow her back to her home is understandable and legitimate.
As she goes on about her own business over the next several days, though, she’s unaware of the current “houseguest” she is residing with. Yet, just knowing certain things aren’t as they normally are, the actual moment of what would seem to be finding Isaac out turns into something FAR more substantial and incontrovertibly transformative for them both, leading to another occurrence of their meeting that will define them going forward. It’s just so overtly heartrending yet exquisitely evocative in context of what’s happened, and Brennan’s stunningly realistic turn here is divine through and through. Primary supporting roles arrive from Helen Norton as cafe owner Fran, Amy Conroy as Ruth, Victoria’s friend and caretaker, Jeff O’Toole as Glen, a representative from a local shelter Isaac has sought a chance for a place to stay before, Walé Adebusuyi as Samuel, a man Isaac was referred to stay with, and Brody Abbey as Samuel’s son.
Other supporting appearances are made by Xav Kahn, Ken Croft, William Delahunt, Mark Gillan, Saoirse Griffin, Colmán Mac Cionnaith, Stephen Fuller, Michael Whelan, andLarry G. Jones. So, in total, “Room Taken” shines an eloquently persuasive spotlight on the human experience as it pertains to its core themes about being both figuratively and literally in the dark when it comes to finding our way in the world through the obstacles thrown our direction. It is a profoundly authentic view of having a deep sense of what’s around us, that we are actually NOT alone yet still yearning for connection, solace, and way forward while confronting the unexpected and the unknown. Ultimately, it allows us to FEEL alive again, FEEL hope anew, REALIZE personal redemption, and recognize our value and purpose, ALL while discovering the comfort of those with whom we share loss in any form with, hence needing them in our circle that much more. World, EMBRACE this. PLEASE.
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
