Ep 23: True Story - I,Tonya & Room

In this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff flip the script and talk about True Stories. They specify that in this episode, the “fiction” they are presented are based off of real life events, and that the common theme of these sensationalized events show us a lot about ourselves.

Heather begins the show by presenting Room by Emma Donoghue, loosely based off of the real life Fritzl case from Austria. Heather issues several trigger warnings for this summary, as it deals with issues such as rape, suicide, kidnapping, incest, and child abuse. While the novel Room is down scaled from the truly unbelievable real story it takes inspiration from, the journey and ending both have positive messages of survival and renewal. Heather couldn’t put this book down and read it in 1 sitting, and praised the writers ability to grip the reader.

Did you know? Actor Brie Larson won the Academy Award for best actress as her role of Ma in the film screen adaptation of Room

Jeff takes us back through the second summary segment, highlighting the 2017 film I, Tonya based off of former US Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding, who is infamous in her own right. Jeff takes us through the biopic, which makes Tonya more relatable as a victim of emotional and mental abuse from both her mother and husband. The film gives the viewer an ambiguous retelling of the actual events leading up to the infamous attack on fellow figure skater and rival Nancy Kerrigan. Jeff praises the film’s ability to re-tell events but also not absolve sympathetic characters of all wrong doing.

Fun Fact! Margot Robbie, who plays Tonya, had no idea this was a real story until after she read the script! Some times life is stranger than fiction.

Following these reviews, Heather and Jeff dive into commonalities between the two works such as morbid curiosity, story accuracy, when real life hits too close to home, and inspiration through hardships.

Listen in to hear Jeff and Heather’s candid thoughts on the masterpiece scenes of each story, how Room and I, Tonya compare, and how Jeff and Heather relate the two. Share this episode with everyone whose a sucker for a true story!

Heather’s rating for Room Very Nice – A heartbreaking, yet compelling story. This will tug at the heart strings, but is not for everyone - especially those who may be triggered by the material.

Jeff’s rating for I, Tonya: Super Nice – Academy Award winning acting, dark humor, and nostalgia rocket this movie into Super Nice territory. While the re-watch factor is low, this is a must see.

Watch I, Tonya here: https://www.hulu.com/movie/i-tonya-f5636efa-9f93-453c-b3a7-e7b377c004b9

Read Room here: https://www.amazon.com/Room-Novel-Emma-Donoghue/dp/0316098337

About Parallel Fiction:

Parallel Fiction is the perfect supplemental companion to all of the stories you consume. We will be covering movies, television, books, graphic novels, video games, and music whenever it applies. Learn more about things you love, and get to know us a little bit better as we give you a peak into our lives and opinions.

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