Room is a genuinely excellent film—beautifully acted, thoughtfully directed, emotionally devastating. It's also absolutely not for kids.

The premise alone (woman kidnapped at 17, held in a shed for 7 years, raises her captor's son who thinks the shed is the entire world) is nightmare fuel. The film handles it with grace and avoids exploitation, but there's no getting around the fact that this is a story about ongoing sexual abuse, captivity, and profound trauma.

For mature teens (16+) and adults, it's worth watching. The performances are extraordinary, the psychological insight is real, and the second-half exploration of re-entering the world is fascinating. But you need to be ready for it—this isn't a feel-good survival story. It's heavy, it's hard, and it will mess you up a little.

If you're a parent wondering whether your teen can handle it: probably not before 16, and even then, know your kid. This isn't graphic, but it's deeply disturbing in its implications. Watch it yourself first.