Is The Roommate Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Roommate is likely a skip if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 92 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Roommate Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2011, The Roommate emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller, Drama, Horror domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of When Sara, a young design student from Iowa, arrives for college in Los Angeles, she is eager to fit in and get to know the big city. Unlike standard genre fare, The Roommate attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Roommate features a noteworthy lineup led by Leighton Meester . Supported by the likes of Minka Kelly and Cam Gigandet , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Roommate (2011) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Roommate Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Roommate is a Thriller, Drama, Horror film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The plot weaves a complex web of mystery and suspense. When Sara, a young design student from Iowa, arrives for college in Los Angeles, she is eager to fit in and get to know the big city. Her wealthy roommate, Rebecca, is more than eager to take Sara under her wing and show her the ropes. The two become close, but when Sara begins to branch out and make more friends on campus, Rebecca becomes resentful. Alarmed, Sara moves in with her new boyfriend, causing Rebecca's behavior to take a violent turn. Information is revealed strategically, keeping viewers engaged as they piece together clues alongside the protagonist. The narrative maintains momentum through well-timed revelations and unexpected turns.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening scene plants the seeds of mystery, introducing questions that will drive the narrative forward.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: All mysteries converge in a climax that recontextualizes earlier events and delivers satisfying answers.
The Roommate Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Roommate attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Roommate reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Roommate?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Thriller films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
The Roommate Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $16.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $52.5M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Roommate Budget
The estimated production budget for The Roommate is $16.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Roommate
- Leighton Meester – Rebecca Evans
- Minka Kelly – Sara Matthews
- Cam Gigandet – Stephen
- Aly Michalka – Tracy
- Danneel Ackles – Irene
Top Highlights
Leighton MeesterRebecca Evans
Minka KellySara Matthews
Cam GigandetStephen
Aly MichalkaTracy
Danneel AcklesIrene
Frances FisherRebecca's Mom
Tomas AranaRebecca's Dad
Billy ZaneProfessor Roberts
Nina DobrevMaria
Matt LanterJason
Where to Watch The Roommate Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Netflix🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
The Roommate is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.4/10, and global collection metrics, The Roommate stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2011 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Roommate movie hit or flop?
The Roommate has received mixed reviews with a 5.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Roommate worth watching?
The Roommate is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Thriller, Drama, Horror movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Roommate online?
The Roommate is currently available for streaming on Netflix. You can also check for it on platforms like Netflix depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for The Roommate
The Roommate is a psychological thriller that starts with some promise but quickly slips into familiar territory. The setup is intriguing, with Leighton Meester delivering a solid performance that brings just enough edge to keep things mildly interesting. Unfortunately, the movie doesn’t take any risks and sticks too closely to the formula, making the plot feel predictable and the suspense more muted than it should be. The pacing doesn’t help either; the first half feels like it’s dragging, and if you’re not fully invested, you might find your attention wandering. Visually, the movie looks polished, and the college setting feels realistic, but the story lacks depth. While it’s watchable, especially if you’re just looking for a casual late-night movie, it doesn’t do much to stand out in its genre. It’s not a bad movie, it’s just a forgettable one. If you’re up for something light and don’t mind a few thriller clichés, it might still be worth a shot. Otherwise, it’s the kind of movie you’ll struggle to stay awake through, literally.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
