The Room Upstairs

by Ayesha Haqqiqa

Synopsis: Leah Lazenby, special needs teacher inherits her parents' house and rents out rooms in it. She is looking for something more in life, and may have found it in a caring, sensitive cellist.

A very touching story of a woman looking for some meaning in her life, and not seeing it right in front of her.

Sam’s performance: Sam plays understated characters well, and the gentle nature of cellist Travis Cole does not hide the fact that though he has feelings and troubles, he has room in his heart for others. The way he gently brings Leah (well played by Stockard Channing) around to looking beyond her own needs in order to find happiness.

Must-see scene: The concert, where Travis plays cello. I'm a musician myself, and it doesn't look like he's faking it. Sam's father was a cellist, so perhaps he got tips on how to play. His face as he plays the music shows that he is really one with it, in rapture with it.

Rating:

1 Sam means you’ll not be able to sit through the whole movie; 5 Sams means you’ll want to buy the film and watch it over and over!

4 Sams

This is a film with subtlties, and one that grows on you. Sam is brilliant in his supporting role.