Room for Rent

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SkyRo P Room for Rent (2019) is a thriller that focuses on the increasingly deranged mind of Joyce, a widow played by Lin Shaye. Shaye, who is well-known for her roles in horror films, delivers a disturbing performance here — a woman battling loneliness, delusion, and a deep need for control — making the film an unsettling character study. The story picks up when Joyce decides to rent a room in her home to Bob, played by Oliver Rayon. At first, it seems as though this might be a simple arrangement — a kind woman offering refuge to a young man in need — but it quickly becomes clear that Joyce has a much darker agenda. She starts blurring the lines between reality and her own desires, increasingly seeing Bob not as a lodger but as a surrogate son — a twisted dynamic that evolves into something far more sinister. Things take a dramatic turn when Joyce drugs Bob — using medication she obtains under false pretenses — and then crosses a boundary by kissing him and looking at him while he’s unconscious, making the chilling comment, “He’s not a boy. He’s a man.” It’s a profoundly creepy moment that underscores her descent into madness and highlights Shaye’s ability to portray a character battling her own loneliness and delusion. The film itself is a slow-burn thriller. The first half feels somewhat unfocused — nearly meandering — until the story tightens once Bob moves in. From that point forward, the film evolves into a disturbing character piece, emphasizing the psychological deterioration of its lead. The direction plays a key role in making this story effective. The filmmaker successfully guides us into Joyce’s world, making us view her not just as a monster, but as a profoundly flawed and misunderstood person who has crossed a dramatic moral line. The writing could have gone a bit further in developing the backstory and motivation for Joyce’s descent into madness, adding additional depth to her character. Nonetheless, the film is definitely worth a watch if you appreciate psychological thriller stories anchored by strong, unconventional performances. Overall, Room for Rent is a bizarre, creepy thriller — not a perfect film by any means, and not the most memorable — but it’s a piece you might find yourself thinking back on from time to time, wondering just how a person’s loneliness can manifest into something so dark. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 06/16/25 Full Review Rebecca F The movie was a good solid film. Smoothly transitions throughout and left you feeling satisfied with the storyline. I love a good movie that leaves no questions unanswered! Would encourage somebody to watch if they are trying to dip their toes into horror without being too terrified. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/01/25 Full Review nicole R This movie made me feel very uncomfortable. It really had potential but the ending? Come on! Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 08/11/24 Full Review Jeremy A Good little movie. Lin Shaye is gold 4.5 Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/18/24 Full Review Jr B I give this movie a 6.1!! Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/08/24 Full Review Izzie P That's the worst effing film I've ever seen Rated 0.5/5 Stars •  Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 02/19/24 Full Review Read all reviews

Room for Rent

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