Room video: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay & Lenny Abrahamson on making the film

One of the most powerful movie experiences of the year doesn’t take place in an exotic foreign land or in outer space, but in a 10′ x 10′ shed. That’s the locale for the first half of Room, directed by Lenny Abrahamson and starring Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay as a mother and son held captive in the tiny space by a kidnapper. Read EW’s “A” review by Chris Nashawaty here.

The film ultimately conveys a life-affirming message, and in this exclusive EW video, Larson explains how she and Tremblay lightened the mood on set by playing with Legos and building instruments, including a guitar. They also played games — including a popular one that caused their only argument, Larson explains, because Tremblay “didn’t want to follow the rules.”

Watch as the 9-year-old actor grins widely and nods his head as she tells the story.