A small area of room, no more than 11×11, has been considered a living area for a young mother and her son for the past several years. Ever since being captured more than five years ago, Ma (Oscar winner Brie Larson) and her young son Jack (John Tremblay), have called this place home. There is only one small skylight with nothing more in the small living space. To Ma, it is the only thing that keeps her going some days. That, and her young son. Determined to make the best of a bad situation, Ma tries to educate her son by teaching him a few songs and poems to pass the days. Between the abusive man who provides inadequate rations and the poor living conditions, Ma feels that there is no hope. Then, one day, opportunity presents itself, and Ma escapes with Jack.

Unfortunately, that is the easiest part. Now, Ma has to readjust to living in the real world. After finding her estranged mother Nancy (Joan Ellen), Ma and Jack start the long process of engaging in basic, everyday routines. While Jack seems to prosper and bloom, Ma becomes more reclusive and eventually draws away from the outside world. Now it is up to Jack and his grandmother to help Ma find the joy and energy she once had.

“Room” is based on a 2010 novel by Emma Donoghue. It also won the Toronto International Film Festival Award this past year.

It is playing Sunday, March 6 at 2 p.m. in the Taylor Little Theatre.

Tickets are $1 at the door as long as a Mercyhurst ID is presented.