‘Room to Move’ Netflix Review - Jenn Freeman’s Life Through Her Eyes

Directed by Alexander Hammer, Room to Move follows the story of acclaimed choreographer and dancer Jenn Freeman as she finds her way through a life-altering autism diagnosis while also preparing for a major solo performance. Initially, when you start watching it, you feel that it is a story of a dancer who is expressing her emotions post the diagnosis. However, the mood quickly shifts towards something else:  the documentary goes on to show how Jenn Freeman shaped up her life around neurodivergence even before she had any idea of it. For her, dance wasn’t a way of expressing herself; it soon became a coping mechanism. For others, it was their passion; for Freeman, it was her passion and her life.

This is why Room To Move stands out. The way they have managed to show Jenn Freeman’s emotions is beautiful. She comes in the documentary to share her side of the story. The makers have not made the documentary solely around her achievements, which, of course, is an important part of her life too. However, instead of letting that aspect of her career shape the plot, they also showed what she felt when she discovered her diagnosis, how she navigated her life around it, and much more. This is what makes the documentary a beautiful watch. Jenn’s perspective is much needed for obvious reasons, and the screen time has been allotted to her to fit perfectly.

Another best part of Room to Move is that it refused to label the plot as a tragedy. Instead, the main aim is to empower people like Jenn Freeman to learn that no setback is too big when one sets their heart to overcome it.  Even as she breaks the news to the audience, the makers have kept it tactfully informational. The tone never shifts towards sympathy or pity. It just moves like the disease is any other part of her life, much like her career and achievements. Doing so is not easy, but this is where one has to appreciate the makers for never bringing a big shift to the overall tone of the plot.

For dancers, they can feel what Jenn has undergone and how powerful she is to have found a way of life in between all this. Conversely, this doesn’t mean non-dancers won't understand what she is telling. The storytelling art has been captured and well-written. It is beautifully portrayed to us for us to see and feel her life’s story.

The pacing is great. Nowhere have the makers rushed. As much emphasis as they gave to her life before diagnosis, the same has been given to post-diagnosis life. This gives us a holistic view of what she has lived so far and what she has been living with to date. Enough time has been given to us to grasp how things have been for her. All in all, Room to Move is a great soulful watch that teaches us many things even after the credits begin to roll. 

Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Ch
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times