Stay the Night

This is my first review ever and I'm dedicating it to Stay The Night hoping it will add some boost to this cute Canadian film. I stumbled upon it on Crave while flipping channels. I'm glad I'm one of the few who still has cable because I don't think I would have found it otherwise lol. I just couldn't stop watching and am now low key obsessed with it!

It's a film about 2 "damaged" people (aren't we all?) who met at the lowest points in their lives. It was definitely kismet since they were people who probably would never have met otherwise. The actors did a phenomenal job with the roles. Everything just felt real - from the conversations to the progression of the relationship. The actions/reactions were relatable. The chemistry between Grace & Carter was palpable. The actors, Andrea & Joe, became the characters they were portraying.

Of course the director/writer, Reynuka Jeyapalan, is the main reason this movie is great. The story wasn't complicated yet meaningful. The script had a natural flow. As a Torontonian, I knew right away that it was set in the city and I loved trying to figure out the locations. She highlighted all the things I love about Toronto - the diverse people, unpretentious places, and deep love for hockey (well not me but my husband is a die hard fan of the sport).

I haven't felt this way about a movie in a while. I highly recommend! Critics compare it to Before Sunrise but I actually enjoyed this way more since the characters felt more relatable to me. Yes, it's a romantic movie but it's also just about connecting with another person and taking that leap.

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.

... as many romantic-dramas there are every year... few are this good any one year... it really comes unexpectedly, unfolding in a manner very true to the genre, yet in a way seeming fresh and unique... also reminding of another romance-drama from 2015 of an Asian girl and a western guy titled 'Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong' (both Andrea Bung and Jamie Chung being born to Korean immigrant parents)... search and watch, it is another very good romdram

... there's an exceptionally good review of STN from Sarah Manvel at Critic's Notebook hitting all major points of the movie... a good honest well-written-review, centering on the film-story not that of the reviewer's writing as many times happens.. "Their conversation in the bar, where Grace explains herself and Carter listens closely instead of making it all about him, is a charming masterclass in character development and interpersonal chemistry. Turns out Carter and Grace are equally intelligent and curious about the world, which is completely unexpected to both of them. That means the script's maneuvers to keep them out of bed but still together don't feel forced."

... as said in the beginning there are many romance films, most all just watched once and never again... this is not the case with this wonderful-little Canadian film.. it will go in-the-library for future viewings.

Loved this fresh take on a romcom format that both incorporates what we love best but also elevates the form with real characters and complex story. Saw it in Toronto and also had fun playing 'spot the location' with beautiful views of the city and nice location choices. Good chemistry between the actors and especially enjoyed the performance by Andrea Bang whose grappling with her reserve and emotional sides seemed very real and relatable. Ending had just enough surprise in it to keep me guessing yet still be satisfied. Already recommended to my fellow romcom friends and looking forward to sharing the link when it streams.

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.