Leighton Meester is brilliant. One of the most convincing performances I have seen from one of the lesser famous actresses. If you’re not a fan of “Gossip Girl” probably she may not ring a bell. Personally I have seen her playing a cameo on “Date Night” but never have seen her play a full on character where she would be able to flaunt her talent at the audience. I was surprised at her wonderful talent. She was the most convincing out of all in the 2011 thriller “The Roommate”.
Sarah starts in her new college and walks into an empty room in her dormitory. She is the 1st occupant and she is looking forward to meeting her new roommate. The fashion Student Sarah is dragged out by her new friends for night out. She returns home only to stumble upon new bags left on the room floor to find out and meet her new roommate Rebecca. Rebecca who does not seem to be very friendly with others is very nice towards Sarah and for some reason Sarah never finds it awkward until things around her begin to change. Rebecca, who is a protective roommate, may have pushed Sarah a bit too far.
Unfortunately this is one of the movies that never made the headlines. I always have the urge to pick some random movie sit back and try to enjoy. Who knows what I will discover. Surprisingly this movie reached out and got through to me. Although not as scary as one would expect a horror movie to be, it was very realistic in the realms of its performance. Much credit as mentioned before should be given to Leighton Meester, She is the lifeline of the movie and if she had failed, she would have taken everyone down with her.
Director Christian E Christiansen who is a fresher at all of this needs to realize that a horror movie needs blood! This was what failed the movie in my opinion. The beautiful storyline did not have enough horror. All the deaths suddenly just end, no blood shed at all. He directs a beautiful build up; he keeps the audience in suspense which was a brilliant technique. Never did he give away the plot too early, he dragged us was into the movie before even the 1st signs of the plot were revealed. Such a great technique that even some of the greats have not mastered, Christian made it work. Was it a fluke? I have no Idea! Sadly he does not bring it all the way home. Just as the movie climaxes he lets it go, he did not have enough discipline to give it a finesse touch of brilliance. As soon as the film lost that aspect of it, it was downhill right through and it that was nails the coffin on “The Roommate”.
Had a few scares, some great teaser moments, builds up the suspense and then I guess he got bored making the movie and he just decided to end it!
Title: The Roommate
Directed by: Christian E Christian
Starring: Leighton Meester, Minka Kelly & Cam Gigandet
Rating: 03/10
91 Mins