It is rare for an eighteen-minute movie to actually make you hold your breath. Usually, short films are either experimental fluff or calling cards for directors trying to land a Marvel gig. But Room Taken, directed by TJ O'Grady-Peyton, is different. It’s one of those "I just saw this on TikTok/Instagram" movies that leaves people frantically searching for the full version.
If you’re looking for room taken short film where to watch, the answer isn't as simple as just hitting play on Netflix. Because this film has been making the rounds on the 2024 and 2025 festival circuit—and even landed a spot on the Oscar shortlist—its availability is spread across a few specific platforms.
Where Can You Actually Watch Room Taken?
Right now, the most reliable place to find the full movie is SAMANSA.
Honestly, most people haven't heard of SAMANSA. It’s a niche streaming service specifically for short films. They have the distribution rights for several regions, and you can usually grab a 7-day trial to watch it. If you’ve seen those "part 1 of 5" clips on social media, this is where you go to avoid the choppy edits.
You can also find it on:
- The Roku Channel: It’s included in their "Short Film Showcase" (Season 3, Episode 1). If you have a Roku device or the app, this is likely your easiest "free" path.
- Apple TV: In certain territories, it’s available for purchase or as part of a curated short film collection.
- YouTube: You’ll find the official trailer and some "behind the scenes" content on the SAMANSA-US channel, but the full, high-quality film is typically behind their paywall or on their specific app.
Why Everyone Is Talking About This Film
The premise sounds like a horror movie. A homeless man named Isaac (played by Gabriel Adewusi) secretly moves into the house of an elderly blind woman, Victoria (Bríd Brennan).
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In any other director's hands, this would be a "home invasion" thriller. But Room Taken flips that. It’s actually a story about the housing crisis in Ireland and the crushing weight of loneliness. Isaac isn't a villain; he’s a Nigerian refugee who is literally out of options. He isn't there to hurt Victoria. He's there because he needs a roof, and she's there because she needs... well, someone.
The tension comes from the "unknown interactions." Isaac starts doing small chores—fixing things, tidying up—while Victoria is convinced the strange noises and helpful "ghosts" are actually her deceased husband reaching out from the grave. It’s heartbreaking.
The Irish Connection and the 2025 Oscar Buzz
The film was executive produced by Colin Farrell, which helped give it some serious legs during the 2024 awards season. It won Best Irish Short at the Dublin International Film Festival and grabbed the Gold Medal at the Manhattan Short Film Festival.
What really makes it work is the authenticity. TJ O'Grady-Peyton didn't just cast actors; he worked with a visual impairment consultant, Delores Cullen, to make sure Bríd Brennan’s performance as a blind woman felt real. It’s not "movie blindness." It’s subtle.
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Also, the timing matters. Ireland has been going through a massive migration and housing debate. The film doesn't preach at you, but it puts a human face on the statistics you see in the news.
Quick Facts for the Film Buffs
- Director: TJ O'Grady-Peyton (he’s a DGA member who’s done huge commercials for BMW and Peloton).
- Writer: Michael Whelan.
- Runtime: Exactly 18 minutes and 29 seconds.
- Star Power: Bríd Brennan is a legend. You might know her from Dancing at Lughnasa (the one with Meryl Streep).
Common Misconceptions About the Ending
Without spoiling it too much, people often ask if it’s a "happy" ending. It’s "Irish happy." That basically means it’s bittersweet and deeply human. It doesn't provide a magical solution to Isaac's legal status or Victoria’s age, but it shows a moment of profound connection.
If you're searching for room taken short film where to watch because you saw a clip of him hiding behind a door while she’s drinking tea—yes, that scene is just as tense in the full version. The cinematography by Evan Barry uses a lot of ambient light that makes the house feel both cozy and like a hiding spot.
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How to Watch It Right Now
- Check SAMANSA first. This is the primary home for the high-def version.
- Search Roku Channel. If you’re in the US, search for "Short Film Showcase" and look for the 2023/2024 entries.
- Check Film Festival Sites. Since it was shortlisted for the 97th Academy Awards (the 2025 Oscars), some festival platforms like Eventive still host "Best of" screenings for a small fee.
Basically, stop watching those grainy, split-screen TikTok uploads. The sound design in this movie is half the experience—you need to hear the floorboards creak and the subtle breathing to get why it’s so special.
Go find a legitimate stream, grab some headphones, and give it twenty minutes. It’ll probably stay with you a lot longer than the last three-hour blockbuster you watched.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify your region: Streaming rights for short films change fast. If SAMANSA isn't working, use a VPN set to the US or Ireland to check The Roku Channel.
- Follow the creators: Check the official Instagram @roomtaken for updates on wide-release VOD dates or potential TV broadcasts.
- Watch the trailer first: If you aren't sure about the subscription, the official trailer on YouTube gives you a perfect sense of the "seen vs. unseen" tension.