Stay is a very unusual and what I would call an artsy film. The plot is hard to follow and harder to put together at the end, the cinematography is very good and interesting, and the acting is very good. Its one of those you are going to have to watch more than once to put everything together. While, I enjoyed the film, I fear many will not.
Sam Foster, Ewan McGregor, is a psychiatrist who takes over a case for a fellow psychiatrist who has had a break down. The case is Henry Latham, Ryan Gosling, an art student at the college. Who first is upset that Sam has taken over his case, but then begins to trust Sam and sees that Sam can help him. Henry tells Sam that he is going to kill himself Saturday at midnight on what will be his 21st birthday. Just like some other famous artist. Leaving the movie to span the three days before Saturday. Sam begins to try to unravel the mystery that is Henry Latham's life. But things are beginning not to make sense, as Sam sees events repeated, and he talks to people that are supposed to be dead, like Henry's mother. Henry also claims that Leon, Sam's long time friend, is his father. But Leon has no kids. Sam begins to think he is losing his grip on reality; can he get it all figured out before Henry's deadline? A side plot found also within the movie is Sam's relationship with his artist girlfriend, Lila (Naomi Watts). Lila tried to commit suicide long ago, and seems to be recovered, but she has stopped taking her medicine. Sam is worried about her and he is also trying to get the nerve up to ask her to marry him. While the whole of the plot fits together, all of it surrounding Henry's life--its hard to follow and even harder to figure out, you may or may not see the ending coming (I did somewhat), but I still haven't put all the pieces together so that the whole of the movie makes sense. This is one you and your friends are going to have to get a cup of coffee afterwards so that you can talk about it.
The cinematography here is excellent. They used some interesting shots especially in the beginning that are bit disorienting. They also used great deal of interesting match cuts throughout the film. The setting is also unusual as it seems familiar, but also seems not right like its from another time period. I didn't notice the music throughout the film.
The acting is good. Ewan McGregor is good as always. He plays Sam well. His expressionable face helps convey the man who is confused and losing touch with reality. Ryan Gosling is good as Henry, the quiet artist, who has made his decision to die. He gives us information sparely, and always seems in control of what is going on around him. Namoi Watts, is great as Lila, Sam's girlfriend. He bounces ideas about Henry off of her; she quietly and sweetly gives him advice while she assures him she will not try to kill herself again. While she is yet a source of worry for Sam, she is still his anchor in the madness. Bob Hoskins plays Dr. Leon Patterson, a blind psychiatrist, who has been Sam's friend for years. While this role is not very big, Bob makes the most of it and brings us an interesting character. And Janeane Garofalo makes a cameo of sorts as the Dr. Beth Levy, the psychiatrist who has a break down and brings Sam into the whole mess. All in all the acting is good and it is the believable characters that hold this movie together.
Overall I found this film to entertaining and intriguing. I find that I am still thinking about the film long after its ending. I also loved the unique cinematography. But, the plot is hard to follow and everything is not wrapped up neatly at the end. So I am afraid many will not find this movie as enjoyable as I did. If you are looking for a movie that makes you think, then you will probably enjoy this film--it something like 6th Sense or The usual suspects. But if you are looking for an easily digestible movie where you can turn off your brain for 2 hours, then I would suggest watching something else.