The Letter Room is a 2020 drama film directed by Elvira Lind. It follows the story of a prison corrections officer, named Richard (played by Oscar Isaac), who is transferred to the letter room, where he is tasked to read and censor all the prisoners' incoming and outgoing letters. Richard is a man of few words, and the monotony of his job bores him.
As he reads the inmates' letters, Richard becomes fascinated by the life of one of the prisoners, named Jackson (played by John Douglas Thompson). Jackson's letters are deeply personal, and Richard can't help but become emotionally invested in his life. Richard begins to develop a friendship with Jackson through their written correspondence.
As Richard delves deeper into Jackson's life, he discovers a dark secret that Jackson has been harboring for years. Richard has to grapple with his own moral code as he decides whether to act on the information he has uncovered. The film explores themes of morality, empathy, and the human need for connection.
The Letter Room received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of prison life and the emotional depth of its main character, Richard. The film premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival and was released in select theaters in 2021.