The Crowded Room Review

I Just finished watching "The Crowded Room" (B). The reason I couldn't watch it all at once is that the first few episodes were slow and lacked appeal. By the third episode, you already know what the so-called suspense is, especially for those familiar with the original source material and the storyline. The series doesn't have a strong sense of mystery. It wasn't until the seventh episode, the last three episodes, that it truly grabbed my attention. That's when Tom Holland finally had the opportunity to showcase his acting skills, and we learned about the tragic experiences of his character's childhood. The revelation of these childhood traumas was more heart-wrenching and captivating.

If you're attracted to it because of the "serial killer with multiple personalities" aspect, you might be disappointed. The so-called killings are not terrifying or gory; it's just a case. The portrayal of the dissociative identity disorder (DID) part is not chilling either; it's rather simplistic. However, if you view this story as an exploration of bullying and the experiences of sexual assault victims, it might be worth watching.

Both Tom Holland as the main character Danny, Amanda Seyfried as Detective Rya Goodwin, and Emmy Rossum as Danny's mother have more captivating moments and room for their acting skills after the seventh episode. The initial episodes mostly consist of mundane interrogations and recollections, so patience is required while watching.

Most of the characters that Tom Holland chooses to portray, aside from Spider-Man, are opposite to the lively personality of Spider-Man. They are characters who have tragic lives, dark personalities, and are struggling small individuals, emphasizing internal conflicts. We can actually see his growth in acting through these roles. However, in the first few episodes, he is just a simple, timid, and clueless boy until later when he has the opportunity to shine.

One of the most memorable lines from Amanda Seyfried's portrayal of Detective Rya Goodwin is when she discusses the relationship between abusers and victims. She mentions that in some cases, even after escaping from one abuser/bully, many victims continue to repeat past experiences. For example, some girls are repeatedly raped by different people, and it's not just a matter of luck but a flaw in their own personalities. She emphasizes that it's not the fault of the victims because they are inherently vulnerable. They are afraid, weak, and constantly seeking protection, making them easy targets for manipulation and control by the abusers/bullies, also known as "predators." In other words, some people are born as "prey," and it's not their fault. Only by seeking timely help and care can they have a chance to break free from this prey-like fate.

Danny's mother is one such person. She encountered a terrible man in her first marriage and, unexpectedly, encountered the same type of man in her second marriage, even with a child. She believes it's her misfortune, but from her later descriptions, it becomes apparent that she is seeking a strong figure to rely on, and these strong figures often turn out to be "predators." So, to avoid becoming a victim, one must become strong, especially internally. Those who overly depend on and constantly seek protection are often the easiest prey. Danny inherits his mother's genes. Even when violated, he constantly hopes to "make peace" rather than resist. However, in his mind, he opposes this weakness, and over time, it manifests as different voices, which we see as the fragmented Danny.

The issue with the script is that the initial part lacks the compelling drive to keep viewers engaged. However, it's actually a tragic story about a bullied individual that can help more people understand the relationship between predator and prey. Amanda Seyfried and Emmy Rossum deliver impressive performances, often appearing without heavy makeup. It's surprising to see 36-year-old Emmy Rossum portraying the mother of Tom Holland's character.