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Parents' Guide to

The Roommate

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Lukewarm, sexually tinged thriller has some bloody scenes.

Movie PG-13 2011 93 minutes
The Roommate Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 15+

Based on 10 parent reviews

dvdgirl
dvdgirl Adult
August 3, 2020
age 13+

If you enjoy thrillers.

You’ll enjoy this and the house at the end of the street.

This title has:

Too much consumerism
Chicago1122222
Chicago1122222 Adult
April 4, 2020
age 14+

The (Boyfriend) is ayyyyy too old for this role!

It's a ok thriller. Interesting and all.
See all 10 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Soon after she moves into her dorm room as a freshman, Sarah (Minka Kelly) befriends her roommate, the seemingly cheery Rebecca (Leighton Meester). But the possibility of an enduring friendship dissipates when Sarah can no longer stand Rebecca's clingy entreaties, and odd developments can't be explained away. Even her new boyfriend (Cam Gigandet) thinks something has gone awry. But in Rebecca's eyes, it's not up to Sarah: She won't stand for abandonment in any form, and she will try everything -- anything! -- not to be alone.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (10 ):
Kids say (26 ):

At first glance, THE ROOMMATE meets the bar of a successful suspense thriller. Yes, there's the eerie lighting and soundtrack. And it starts with a setup that clearly delineates whom to cheer for and to fear. Clues are dropped immediately that hint at a future, massive confrontation. And there are the requisite references to psychological dysfunction and a subsequent, all-consuming, violent breakdown.

But that doesn't mean it actually works. The film is listless and lazy, lumbering along on clichés that are frankly annoying. Opportunities to add depth -- references to the villain's horrible childhood, for instance, or even her fascination with modern art -- are wasted. Meester gives sinister a good college try, but her character is an odd mix of cheesy and malevolent. Suffice it to say that this is no obsession classic like The Talented Mr. Ripley or Single White Female (which it's clearly referencing). Those were at least entertaining. This one's not.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what makes a movie a thriller rather than a horror film. What's scarier -- things that are shown, or things that are suggested?

  • What's the impact of this movie's violence?

  • What messages is the movie sending about its two main characters? Does it paint young women in a positive or negative light overall?

Movie Details

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