Stay the Night

I stumbled across this movie late one night and was thoroughly obsessed until it ended at 3am. I recognized Andrea Bang from Kim's Convenience, but Joe Scarpellino is new to me. Both were perfectly natural and comfortably uncomfortable in their roles as two lonely young souls facing the daunting uncertainty of existence in our modern world. The sparks fly as they find an unlikely friendship in each other.

Stay The Night is sweet without being sappy. You feel the very genuine chemistry and affection between the leads despite the story maintaining a realistic take on dating and hook-up culture. The plot is largely driven by dialogue and we slowly learn about and warm up to the characters as they do with each other. Some might find this type of film a bore, but this is the kind of romance that I live for. Their feelings develop out of their mutual curiosity to know each other as people, rather than the usual trope where characters form a bond due to being thrown at each other as a result of implausible circumstances and crazy escapades.

As an Asian woman, it's always heartening to see another Asian woman represented as a main character. The director, Renuka Jeyapalan, is also a South Asian Canadian woman, and her love for the city of Toronto absolutely shines throughout the film. And as a Canadian girly who loves hockey, thank God they cast an actor who actually plays hockey for the role of Carter. At one point they show a little glimpse of what Joe Scarpellino can do on the ice and it's clear to anyone who plays that the dude can skate.

I will be watching this on repeat as it has replaced all other romcoms in my roster as my number one comfort movie. Thank you to all involved in this film for this absolute gift.

Saw this last night and thought it was wonderful. So much life in these characters, which were impeccably acted. The story is simple enough to find yourself in and deep enough to really connect to these people. Everything about the movie was terrifically done: it looked great, sounded great, was beautifully shot, well acted, and the director's choices were always spot on. The theatre was filled people you could tell were having a blast, laughing in all the right places. This film will probably get buried due to poor promotion and the way the Canadian film industry works but you should do whatever you can to track it down. Can't wait for what Jeyapalan does next!

Romance genre tends to target tweens or young adults, but adults need it, too. When romance films are set in the workplace from a woman's perspective, they usually talk about being tired of dating or passing the 'appropriate' age to get married. However, 'Stay the Night' shows Grace starting fresh and having a flutter in her heart. ROMANCE itself. Chemistry between two protagonists is wonderful, and it is a successful debut feature film for both actors and a director. (I do not like the ending, and I do not get how one character can change that rapidly, but... oh well, director's choice.)

five characters short.

A story of two people whose paths cross after each has had a life-changing day. They "meet cute" and spend a memorable, adventuresome night on the town (Toronto) helping each other get perspective. Seems like a setup and there's undeniable chemistry, but Stay the Night doesn't follow the path you might expect. Highly recommended!

I saw this movie via the SXSW Film Festival online, and it might have been even more interesting to see it with an audience.

Stay the Night," in many respects, could have fallen into the trap of indie cliches, yet it steadfastly avoids this, a testament to Renuka Jeyapalan's clear vision and competent helm as both writer and director.

Technically, the film is a standout. Conor Fisher's cinematography is not merely a vehicle for narrative but a storytelling force in itself, encapsulating the biting allure of a winter cityscape with precision. This visual storytelling is complemented by an auditory landscape that is both immersive and enhancing, a collaborative success of the sound team and musical contributions from The Wilders.

In its genre - the urban nocturnal romance - "Stay the Night" excels. It's a stripped-down, almost minimalist approach to storytelling that resonates precisely because of its simplicity and authenticity. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, bringing a genuine sense of connection that transcends the screen.

The pacing is deliberate, echoing the real-time experience of a night's wander through the city. Jeyapalan avoids rushing the narrative, allowing the audience to inhabit each scene fully, much like the characters inhabit their urban environment. There's an intentional avoidance of melodrama, which in turn grounds the film in a reality that feels both relatable and intimate.

What is particularly striking is how the film communicates the essence of its setting. The cold isn't just a backdrop; it shapes the narrative, influencing the characters' interactions and the film's tone. This atmospheric use of setting is something often attempted but rarely achieved with such efficacy.

For those contemplating whether 'Stay the Night' is worthy of their time, I argue that it is a necessary watch for those interested in the current landscape of independent film. It's a quiet yet powerful reminder of how less can indeed be more, and how the nuances of human connection can be deeply felt through the cinematic lens.