The Oak Room

I saw The Oak Room recently at a local film festival and am very pleased I had the opportunity. This film is set in a bar at closing time during a snow storm. One character tells the other a story, and we go from there. Now whilst some of the acting is a little over the top or unconvincing in places, on the whole this was very well done. The setting of the bar and the snowstorm was done so well that despite being indoors and properly dressed for October, I was cold! The film made me feel cold! The tension was built over the course of the film, with a twist that I wasn't fully expecting. I knocked a couple of stars off as despite fully understanding the plot and twist, things were introduced towards the very end that weren't given proper context. It didn't ruin the film at all, it just felt like a few loose ends. Overall I really enjoyed The Oak Room.

This was a great story idea. It was somewhat original, the actors were pretty good. I think if they had a better writer and director, this could have been a worthy 9 or 10 for sure. I think it is worth the watch, but ONLY if you find yourself home on a Friday night, nothing going on and you are just sitting at home on the couch wondering what you could watch. Then give it a try. This movie could have been great, instead it kind of falls to being fair. Now if I would have spent good money to see this at the movie theater, I would have been a little upset, but still would have given the same review.

This film is all about tension, story telling and the intrigue of what stars as very innocent normal seeming situations. It doesn't at all go in the direction you might think.

I didn't really like the slow pace and the very little plot as well as not actually having any real answers at the end but not only can I see that it is well done and is an interesting concept, I would recommend it. I do see why some people loved it. Some people will absolutely hate it and probably not stand more than 15 mins of it but you might surprise yourself.

Phenomenal cinematography, acting, dialogue and plot. It does fall off at points which is why I can't give it a higher rate, however it still delivers. Very original and unique. This isn't action packed or fast paced AT ALL, so if you're easily bored you'll have a hard time getting through this one.

The ending makes sense, won't going to spoil it for anyone, but if you were paying attention you know what happened. A solid 7/10 from me.

I like atmospheric movies. Especially ones in snowy settings. That said, there really is no narrative. There are 2 men in ever scene, having a conversation. Many of the conversations don't further any through line. Or if they do, you need to conjure them up yourself. This is the "Pine Barrens" episode of"The Sopranos". It was an entertaining episode, it stuck with you afterward, but it was also frustrating, Is it worthwhile? I'd say 70-80% of casual movie watchers will regret watching it. 5% will love it--reading more into it than there actually is. The remaining 15-25% will be somewhat disappointed, yet entertained.