Stay (2005)

Stay (2005) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online

Stay (2005), directed by Marc Forster, is a psychological thriller that delves into themes of reality, perception, and mental illness. Starring Ewan McGregor, Naomi Watts, and Ryan Gosling, the film weaves a complex narrative that challenges viewers’ understanding of truth and fiction. With its intriguing storyline and strong performances, Stay offers a thought-provoking cinematic experience.

In this review, we’ll explore the film’s plot, performances, and thematic elements. We’ll also provide information on where you can stream or rent Stay online in the U.S.

Plot Summary

Stay centers on Sam Foster (Ewan McGregor), a psychiatrist who is treating a troubled young man named Henry Letham (Ryan Gosling). Henry reveals to Sam that he plans to commit suicide within a week. As Sam delves deeper into Henry’s life and mental state, he becomes increasingly obsessed with preventing the young man’s death.

As Sam investigates further, he encounters a series of unsettling and surreal events that blur the line between reality and hallucination. The film’s narrative shifts between Sam’s perspective and the distorted reality he experiences, leading to a series of twists that challenge the viewer’s understanding of what is real and what is imagined.

Key Characters and Performances

• Ewan McGregor as Sam Foster
  Ewan McGregor delivers a compelling performance as Sam Foster, capturing the character’s growing anxiety and desperation as he tries to save Henry. McGregor’s portrayal adds depth to Sam’s psychological struggle and emotional turmoil.
• Ryan Gosling as Henry Letham
  Ryan Gosling plays Henry Letham, the young man whose mental state and impending suicide drive the film’s plot. Gosling’s performance is intense and enigmatic, contributing to the film’s atmosphere of mystery and unease.
• Naomi Watts as Lila Culpepper
  Naomi Watts portrays Lila Culpepper, Sam’s girlfriend, who becomes involved in the unfolding mystery. Watts’ performance provides emotional depth and context to Sam’s personal life and adds to the film’s overall tension.
• Bob Hoskins as Dr. Leon Patterson
  Bob Hoskins plays Dr. Leon Patterson, a colleague of Sam’s who offers additional insights into Henry’s condition. Hoskins’ role adds a layer of professional perspective to the film’s exploration of mental health.

What to Expect from Stay

Strengths

1. Intriguing Concept: The film’s exploration of reality and perception provides a unique and thought-provoking narrative. The story’s twists and psychological depth keep viewers engaged and encourage them to question the nature of reality.
2. Strong Performances: Ewan McGregor, Ryan Gosling, and Naomi Watts deliver strong performances that drive the film’s emotional and psychological intensity. Their portrayals enhance the film’s impact and contribute to its overall effectiveness.
3. Atmospheric Tension: Stay creates a tense and unsettling atmosphere through its use of visuals, sound, and narrative structure. The film’s cinematography and editing contribute to its dreamlike and disorienting quality.
4. Complex Narrative: The film’s layered and non-linear storytelling challenges viewers to piece together the narrative and understand the characters’ experiences. The complexity of the plot adds to the film’s suspense and intrigue.

Weaknesses

1. Confusing Plot: The film’s intricate and surreal narrative may be difficult for some viewers to follow. The shifting perspectives and ambiguous events can lead to confusion and may detract from the overall experience for those seeking a more straightforward story.
2. Slow Pacing: Some viewers may find the film’s pacing slow, particularly in its middle sections where character development and psychological exploration take precedence over action or plot progression.
3. Limited Character Development: While the film focuses on Sam and Henry, some secondary characters, including Lila and Dr. Patterson, may feel underdeveloped. The emphasis on the central narrative leaves less room for deeper exploration of these characters.

Direction and Cinematography

Marc Forster’s direction creates a disorienting and immersive experience that reflects the film’s themes of reality and illusion. His approach emphasizes psychological tension and surreal imagery, enhancing the film’s overall impact.

The cinematography, by Roberto Schaefer, contributes to the film’s atmospheric quality with its use of lighting, color, and camera angles. The visual style complements the narrative’s dreamlike and unsettling tone, adding to the film’s overall sense of mystery.

Where to Watch Stay Online in the U.S.

Streaming Services

Stay is available for streaming on several platforms:

1. Amazon Prime Video
   • The film can be rented or purchased on Amazon Prime Video. Renting typically costs around $3.99, while purchasing ranges from $9.99 to $12.99.
2. Apple iTunes
   • You can rent or purchase Stay on Apple iTunes, with rentals priced around $3.99 and purchase options starting at $9.99.
3. Google Play Movies
   • The film is available for rent or purchase on Google Play Movies, with similar pricing: rentals at $3.99 and purchases ranging from $9.99 to $12.99.
4. Vudu
   • Stay can be rented or purchased on Vudu, with rentals typically costing around $2.99 to $4.99 and purchases ranging from $9.99 to $12.99.

Rental and Purchase Options

For additional rental and purchase options, you can also check:

• YouTube Movies
• Microsoft Store

Rental prices generally range from $2.99 to $4.99, with purchase options typically falling between $9.99 and $12.99.

Physical Media

Stay is available on Blu-ray and DVD, which can be purchased through major retailers such as Amazon and Walmart. Physical copies often include special features like behind-the-scenes content, deleted scenes, and director’s commentary.

Conclusion

Stay (2005) is a thought-provoking psychological thriller that challenges viewers’ perceptions of reality and mental illness. With strong performances from Ewan McGregor and Ryan Gosling and a unique narrative structure, the film offers a compelling and immersive experience. Available for streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and for digital rental and purchase, Stay is a suitable choice for those interested in complex and suspenseful storytelling. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a twist, Stay is a film worth exploring.