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Stay
2005 99 min Switzerland, United States of America R 18+
★6.0
Mystery, Thriller, Drama
Director: Marc Forster
Trailers
Description
Psychiatrist Sam Foster has a new patient, Henry Letham, who claims to be suicidal. In trying to diagnose him, Sam visits Henry's prior therapist and also finds Henry's mother -- even though Henry has said that he murdered both of his parents. As reality starts to contradict fact, Sam spirals into an unstable mental state. Then he finds a clue as to how and when Henry may try to kill himself, and races to try to stop him.
Budget:
$50M
US Gross:
$3.63M
Worldwide:
$8.34M
Starring
Ewan McGregor
Actor
Naomi Watts
Actor
Ryan Gosling
Actor
Awards
1 nomination total
Key opinion
Stay is a polarizing, atmospheric psychological thriller that favors surreal, puzzle-like imagery over traditional narrative coherence. While many viewers praise its visual artistry and Ryan Gosling's haunting performance, others find the film hollow, confusing, and lacking a meaningful emotional or intellectual payoff.
| Acting | Ryan Gosling's chilling and emaciated portrayal of Henry Lethem serves as the film's most compelling anchor. | |
| Cinematography | The cinematography uses unconventional framing, such as tilted horizons and seamless transitions, to create an immersive, dreamlike visual language. | |
| Screenplay | The film's dense, surreal structure creates a divisive experience: some find it a rewarding intellectual puzzle, while others dismiss it as an incoherent and empty narrative exercise. | |
| Acting | Ewan McGregor's performance as Dr. Sam Foster draws split reactions, with some praising his depiction of psychological unraveling and others finding his delivery tentative or misaligned. |