SYNOPSIS

“Stay” is a psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of the human mind, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. The narrative follows psychiatrist Sam Foster (Ewan McGregor) as he attempts to prevent his patient, Henry Letham (Ryan Gosling), from committing suicide. As Sam delves deeper into Henry’s psyche, he finds his own reality unraveling, leading to a series of surreal and disorienting events.

CINDIE SAYS:

One of the film’s most striking features is its visual style. Director Marc Forster employs a range of cinematic techniques to immerse the audience in the characters’ fragmented realities. The use of seamless transitions between scenes creates a dreamlike quality, reflecting the film’s exploration of consciousness and perception.

Upon its release, “Stay” received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its ambition and visual flair, while others found its narrative challenging to decipher. However, over time, the film has garnered a cult following, with audiences appreciating its complexity and the performances of its lead actors.

An interesting aspect of the film’s production is its collaboration between director Marc Forster and screenwriter David Benioff. Benioff, who later gained fame as a co-creator of the television series “Game of Thrones,” crafted a screenplay that challenges traditional storytelling structures, defies easy categorisation, blending elements of psychological thriller, drama, and surrealism.