The Letter Room

First of all, there's Oscar Isaac, and... isn't that enough for a review? What else am I going to say? "Hello, Cleveland!" No. This should suffice. That and his mustache. Maybe we should all just be thankful he wasn't cast as Superman a few years back.

Ok, a little more. This is largely driven by Isaac, a star-actor who has the charisma and of a Harrison Ford, being an inherently captivating presence who understands how to draw out behavior and a psychological depth and nuance through just a look or a series of furrowed brows next to that epic stache. But it's furthermore a fairly unique set up and pay off for a story set in prison, in particular death row, and how this officer gets drawn in to this one couple's melancholy and seemingly distressing circumstance is dramatic gold to me. It's always good for me if there's a story where you have a character learning about another without them knowing - voyeurism 101, yeah, of course - but through it being in letters and how the information is doled out alongside direction that means to express that aloneness and genuine want (or even need) to help someone is quite moving. And if you were somehow ever wondering, Alia Shawcat is a devastating dramatic performer and gives her all to a character in just two scenes.

This should get the Oscar (oh hey pun intended I guess?) Not even for the star power but because it combines all that cinema can do in a brief time to leave the greatest impact (White Tiger is a pretty close second IMO).

How beautiful, pity it's a short, beautiful films shouldn't be limited to short films, but should translate into long and beautiful hours of film ... #Icried So cute and sensitive, the relationship between the protagonist and the prisoner father, deserved it a film just for them...

A beautiful short based on the life of a lonesome, corrections officer whose duty is to scan through letters written to inmates from their loved ones. The background music in very different and interesting. The short maintains a comedic tone underlying, which makes it quite likeable. It's shot so beautifully. And Oscar Issac is like always, a treat to watch on screen.

A touching film about duty, empathy, loneliness and good gestures. And beautiful work of Oscar Isaac in a role demanding real skils to explore a minimalistic story about letters, death, old men expecting news, a presumed suicide situation and the state of a death condamned man.

Each detail sounds just inspired.

The message is not only generous, old fashion one , well crafted but profound useful, being, in essence, precious warning, seeming a parable about options and job, generosity and courage to become useful to the other as giver of unique help.

Oscar Isaac truly carries the soul of this film. Thought provoking through the whole run, it compels you to look further into the mind of the protagonist. The character arc that the script set out is masterfully executed, and it's a joy to watch. The direction is another highlight of this piece. Subtle, but with clear intentionality. One truly feels like they're being asked to reflect, nothing is spoon-fed.