A Turkish filmmaker who has lived in the U.K. since 2008, Omer Kula has crafted a fine film with The Room, a Kickstarter-funded film that involves one man in one room playing out one scene. That one man, a writer (Nick Ewans), who desperately wants to be alone so that he can write. 

The problem? You're never really alone. 

A psychological drama of a quieter nature, The Room is a compelling drama thanks to Ewan's disciplined and controlled performance that leaves you wondering what is real and what is fantasy. The truth is that there are no strong reveals in the film, a bold choice by Kula yet a choice that works quite nicely with Ewans's terrific performance. 

D.P. Amarjeet Singh lenses the film beautifully, constantly leaving the film a little bit off sync n the best of ways. Singh nicely captures the writer's vulnerability and frustrations and does so without giving too much away. 

Kula's direction is almost observational. He clearly trusts Ewans as an actor and that trust pays off immensely as the film practically seems to be following him around as the story, simple as it may be, unfolds. At a mere ten minute running time, it would be a true shame to give too much of the film away, but The Room is an intelligent and involving short film led by Ewans's terrific performance and a story that builds suspense and refuses to let it go. For more information on the film, visit its Facebook page linked to in the credits. 

© Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic