I understand that short films are…..well, just that. Short. You can only say so much at a given time, but T.J. O’Grady-Peyton’s short  film “Room Taken” is certainly a breath of fresh air that says a lot in 17 minutes.

The story centers around a homeless man named Isaac who is struggling to find a comfortable place to rest his head. He comes across an elderly blind woman named Victoria who forgets a bag of hers which Isaac retrieves. 

However, instead of only dropping the bag off and leaving, Isaac takes advantage of the woman’s disability and stays the night without her knowledge. After some time has passed, Victoria senses that there is someone in the house with her.

The film has a certain beauty in its simplicity as it never tries too hard to push limits and makes the most out of its short and sweet message. It feels like watching intimate theater that plays out in an engaging and beautiful way.

Moreover, the cast of characters is incredible with the short runtime that they are given. Looking at these two unlikely characters exchange lines even if it may be in silence or without the knowledge of the other knowing that they are in the room with them is a delight to see.

All in all, the film seems like pure bliss with smartly written characters and heart galore.