Room for Rent

Upon the death of her husband, an older woman is put in the position of needing to find a way to take care of herself financially. She opens her home as a bed and breakfast and soon becomes attached to one of her guests.

So, this isn't a bad film but there's not much to be said about it. It is a psychological thriller but there isn't much thrill to it at all. The creepy factor is there and you wonder what is coming next but there is no real climax. You are just stuck watching a slow but steady deterioration of a woman's mental state but the bang isn't there and the viewer is left feeling unsatisfied.

If you are ok with the pace and the lack of a climax, check it out. If you can't stand those things, you probably should pass this one up.

Those who saw Lin Shaye billed and automatically thought this would be a horror will be disappointed. It is a suspense/thriller.

It is a strong story and the acting by all the cast is superb. As ever, Lin Shaye brings another diverse character to life in her performance as recently widowed Joyce.

The production is OK, but could have done with more emphasis on some of the darker moments to make it more menacing and keep the viewer guessing for a bit longer.

Some people won't like the ending, and more could have been made of it.

Even so, still a good film to watch.

Living in a suburban neighbourhood, a lonely widow (Lin Shaye) with something of a dark side to her personality takes in lodgers to help her financially and to make for much needed company. After befriending a woman (Valeska Miller) who came for a short stay, she takes in a good looking young man (Oliver Rayon) who she begins to obsess over and become possessive of.

Shaye is superb in this sweltering, sometimes claustrophobic thriller. Made on a small budget and benefitting from its Sedona setting, it is the type of film that would also been well suited to the post WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE? (1963) host of films that followed in that film's wake in the mid 1960s. The suspense is well maintained and Shaye is at times chilling, but one is left wondering why some of these characters did not get out of the house sooner.

"Room For Rent" entices a thriller akin to "Single White Female" or "Hush". A dark and cold killer masking as a loving, comforting matriarchal figure. And to some extent it is. Only the thriller angle is soft spoken and not at all dark. The concept is, but the execution is not. There is no tension or suspense in Joyce's transition from caring to psychotic impulse. To Lin Shaye's credit though, her character portrayal is compelling.

The story is well written and the cast give great performances as these somewhat tragic characters. As a dramatic character study, "Room For Rent" is a perfect 'Lifetime' after dark TV movie. As a full on psychological thriller, the film fails to take off. The pace is too slow and mundane to ever rise above the melodrama. That being said, when Joyce does snap it is quick, and cruel and delicious. The problem is there is no real build to those moments and when it's over the tone goes straight back to sheer melodrama.

The horror elements are minimal in "Room For Rent". Very little violence happens aside from the typical pedestrian concepts. A pillow, a frying pan, and not much else. I think most of the nightmare takes place in Joyce's head, unfortunately it never gets fleshed out. When those moments do happen they are great glimpses into the psychological thriller this should be. Lin Shaye is great at bringing a little needed darkness and cruelty to the scene.

"Room For Rent" will be please Lin Shaye fans, she gives her character as much as she can. As always, her acting is queen. As for horror fans looking for a wicked psychological thrill ride, this one will disappoint. It will have an audience, the writing and acting is quality. All the makings for a good movie are here, its just they came together as a dark drama and not a real horror movie. Check it out if you really enjoy Shaye, but leave it if you want some psycho madness murder mayhem.

I like indie films, this is just a human piece... no action, gore, heavy drama, e.t.c. Just human nature. Linn shaye is always a winner for me, even in her lesser films, she's phenomenal. The human psyche is fascinating and watching her mentality be explained slowly was enjoyable.