Stay (2005 film)

Stay is a 2005 American psychological thriller film directed by Marc Forster and written by David Benioff. The film stars Ewan McGregor, Naomi Watts, and Ryan Gosling.

The plot centers around psychiatrist Sam Foster (McGregor) who is attempting to prevent one of his patients, Henry Lethem (Gosling), from committing suicide. Henry claims he will kill himself at midnight on his 21st birthday. Sam becomes increasingly disturbed as he tries to help Henry, experiencing strange occurrences and blurring the lines between reality and illusion.

Stay explores themes of grief, guilt, trauma, and the nature of reality. The film's non-linear narrative and surreal visuals contribute to its dreamlike and unsettling atmosphere. Critical reception was largely negative, with many reviewers finding the plot confusing and pretentious. However, the film has gained a cult following for its ambition and visual style. The ending of the film is open to interpretation, prompting debate about the true nature of the events depicted.