‘STAY’ REVIEW: BEAUTY IS THE BEAST
By Paul Joyce
The debut film from writer/director Brandon Walker, STAY blends reality TV, YouTube, and found footage tropes to create a sense of intimacy in this micro-budget offering. While low-tech horror has been thoroughly mined, STAY manages to find a bit of fresh air by focusing its narrative on an ambitious young model named Olivia. Seen primarily through a self-shot lens, Olivia has her cap set on modeling’s juiciest prize, a runway show called ‘Biggest Night In Fashion.’ The early moments of the film focus on her pursuit of this lofty position and the superficial trappings of a YouTube star on the rise. While this character could easily be unrelatable, Ashley Park in the role of Olivia manages to emote a genuine sweetness, making her social climbing a bit more palatable.
Olivia’s investment in her personal brand pays off and the big job is finally hers. Assuming that money problems are in the rear-view, Olivia books a one-way ticket to NYC for English boyfriend Julian, played by Jesse LeNoir. Once reunited, they begin their search for the perfect couple’s apartment. An expansive loft with an abundance of light seems to check all the boxes for Olivia. The fact that there is a rather alarming antique mannequin in this former factory seems to be a non-issue. Julian, as portrayed by Jesse LeNoir, is a handsome and impish character who brings levity and laughter to nearly every scene in the early going.
Here is where the story goes south (as it always does) when you move into an apartment with antique relics and a box full of unwanted junk. And why does the box contain a pseudo-pornographic videotape of possibly underage Russian girls? This mystery is at the heart of the constant ghostly whispers, abysmal plumbing and a mannequin/mascot that seems to have a mind of its own.
It should be mentioned that a film of this nature doesn’t always feature strong performances. But in addition to the leading roles, the supporting characters are well-rendered by the film’s very competent players. These include the spiritually inclined Mia (Dre Davis), the ambitious friend Riley (Simone Posey), the mysterious VHS beauty Valya (Alisa Levinson), the crafty realtor Leo (John Alton), and the ultra-chic modeling agent Karen (JamieLee Ackerman). Honorable mentions go to the freestyle-rapping AJ (Brendan Martin) and TV host with the most Ryan (Robert Palmer Watkins).
Now back to the plot: What once seemed like a light and airy loft is now filled with heavy energy. Whether it is haunted, possessed, oppressed or poltergeisty, nobody knows. What is obvious is that Olivia is now in an emotional free fall. The once cheery girl with a megawatt smile is becoming increasingly snappy, not to mention her creepy midnight strolls captured by Julian’s newly installed webcam surveillance system. Unfortunately, the well-meaning Julian has decided to cash in on the unusual phenomena in their apartment. It does not go well.
The experience of watching STAY’s final act is like being pushed down an icy slope on a makeshift toboggan. It’s all good fun until someone loses a soul (isn’t that what your mom would say?). The best moments in this lilliputian-sized movie come during its over-the-top finale. STAY manages to punish viewers for being cavalier about its soft-pedaling opening. Despite a threadbare budget and a few cringeworthy moments, STAY manages to deliver on its horror-fueled promises.
