Is Stay Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Stay is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Mystery movies.
It features a runtime of 99 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Stay Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2005, Stay emerges as a significant entry in the Mystery, Thriller, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Psychiatrist Sam Foster has a new patient, Henry Letham, who claims to be suicidal. Unlike standard genre fare, Stay attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Mystery is often anchored by its ensemble, and Stay features a noteworthy lineup led by Ewan McGregor . Supported by the likes of Naomi Watts and Ryan Gosling , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Stay (2005) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Stay Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Stay is a Mystery, Thriller, Drama film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. 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. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Stay Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Stay concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to mystery resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the mystery themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Stay reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Stay?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Mystery films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Stay Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $50.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $8.3M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Stay Budget
The estimated production budget for Stay is $50.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Stay
- Ewan McGregor – Sam Foster
- Naomi Watts – Lila Culpepper
- Ryan Gosling – Henry Letham
- Kate Burton – Mrs. Letham
- Elizabeth Reaser – Athena
Top Highlights
Ewan McGregorSam Foster
Naomi WattsLila Culpepper
Ryan GoslingHenry Letham
Kate BurtonMrs. Letham
Elizabeth ReaserAthena
Bob HoskinsDr. Leon Patterson
BD WongDr. Bradley Ren
Janeane GarofaloDr. Beth Levy
John TormeyCustodian / Piano Mover #1
José Ramón RosarioCabbie / Piano Mover #2
Where to Watch Stay Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
JioHotstarParents Guide & Age Rating
Stay is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.6/10, and global collection metrics, Stay stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2005 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stay movie hit or flop?
Stay has received mixed reviews with a 6.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Stay worth watching?
Stay is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Mystery, Thriller, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Stay online?
Stay is currently available for streaming on JioHotstar. You can also check for it on platforms like JioHotstar depending on your region.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Stay
How Stay Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Stay
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
