Apple TV+ ‘The Crowded Room’ Episode 10 Review - Healing from Within A Triumph

In the gripping finale of 'The Crowded Room' titled 'Judgement,' the emotional rollercoaster continues as we witness the aftermath of Danny's suicide attempt. I couldn't help but feel my heartstrings pulled when Ariana desperately pleads for him to hold on, and the tension intensifies as Stan and Rya become even more dedicated to saving him in the upcoming trial.

Rya's unwavering commitment to Danny becomes evident when her college dean asks her to choose between her job and supporting him. Without hesitation, she chooses to stand by Danny, putting her career on the line for the young man she has grown to care deeply about. As they arrive at the hospital, they are confronted not by Danny, but by Jack, one of his other personalities, who refuses to cooperate.

Inside the vividly visualized crowded room of Danny's mind, he remains imprisoned by his other personalities, each vying for control. This battle of identities adds a new layer of complexity to the already intense courtroom drama that awaits.

As the trial unfolds, Jack takes center stage as Danny enters the witness box. Instead of acknowledging the sexual abuse he endured from his stepfather, Jack focuses on his desire to shoot him for being abusive to his mother. The courtroom scenes skillfully alternate with glimpses of Danny's inner struggle as he fights to regain control of his body.

The tension escalates when Stan brings up 'Adam,' the twin brother Danny believes was also abused by their stepfather. However, the audience knows the truth – there was never an Adam, only Danny. As Danny grapples with this realization within the confines of his crowded room, the walls begin to crumble, and his other personalities panic.

In a profound moment of self-discovery, Danny accepts the painful truth. He takes back control of his body, making a powerful statement that reverberates not only in the courtroom but also within his own psyche. His admission is not just to the court and the jury, but to himself – a cathartic breakthrough in his healing journey.

The jury reaches their decision, and the verdict is delivered – Danny is declared not guilty. The weight of this judgment is not lost on anyone present, and emotions run high as the trial comes to a close. An epilogue offers a glimpse of Danny's life after the trial, showing him in therapy, making significant progress, and finding solace in his own art collection.

The epilogue also provides a bittersweet moment when Danny's mother, Candy, comes to visit. While she expresses remorse for her past actions, it is hard to ignore the disappointment that lingers. Her failure to protect Danny during the trial is a poignant reminder of the complexities of family dynamics and the far-reaching impact of unaddressed trauma.

Ultimately, the finale of 'The Crowded Room' delivered a truly poignant and emotionally charged conclusion to this compelling series. The intricate sequence of Danny's internal struggle, from the meticulously crafted sound design to the haunting visuals and Tom Holland's exceptional acting, was nothing short of masterful.

Witnessing Danny's journey of recovery, self-acceptance, and ultimately finding happiness after the immense hardships he endured throughout the series was deeply fulfilling. The stark contrast between his initial horrifying condition and his final state of healing was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

While the brief plotline introduced in this episode of Stan's struggles with medication felt somewhat misplaced in the grand finale, it didn't overshadow the overall impact of the series. 'The Crowded Room' effectively tackled mental health issues with sensitivity and authenticity, offering a rare glimpse into the complexities of dissociative identity disorder.

In the end, I commend the creators, cast, and crew for their exceptional work in bringing this captivating story to life. 'The Crowded Room' stands as a remarkable example of storytelling's power to resonate with audiences, shining a light on the intricate workings of the human mind with empathy and authenticity. It's a series that will leave a lasting impression on viewers, as it skillfully explores the depths of trauma, resilience, and the pursuit of self-discovery.

Final Score- [8.5/10]
Premiere Date: July 28, 2023, on Apple TV+