This is a taut, uncompromising, savage little movie.
Stewart’s role isn’t quite as different as I’d hoped. Despite playing a horrible character he’s still the leader. It doesn’t escape the shadow of Xavier or Picard. At least it’s enjoyable seeing him be the bad guy, however much he pretends to be a voice of reason.
More impressive is the part the late Anton Yelchin plays. He definitely moves through the usual arc of timid to brave but it’s done in a believable way. In fact much of the film is believable. There are some bone-headed decisions but they’re all made in the heat of the moment and make sense in the situation.
At 90-odd minutes long I did wonder if it was going to feel rushed, especially as the opening is relatively slow. Worry not though as things soon pick up and become rather gruesome at times.
With the constant background of music permeating the walls of the titular room, the tension rises as this focused story moves up through the gears. It’s expertly done as we see as much of the antagonists planning as we do the protagonists.
Well worth a watch.
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