User Reviews

I saw a clip from this movie on tiktok actually and it reminded me a lot of Before Sunrise!! So i thought i'd give it a shot and i really liked it the music choices were great really captured the mood of the movie and chemistry was well it's out there you have to be blind to not see it. And you can clearly see their development throughout the movie step by step not rushed. Clips of Toronto running behind as the two just walk and talk👌🏻.

The ending was unexpected but probably should've guessed because it's not a regular romance movie you see everyday but a part of me wished it to be. Though if they wanted to make a sequel it would be great!!

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.

This movie is about an autistic woman, who struggles to connect with other human beings. Follow her over the course of one night as she meets a down-and-out hockey player and navigates her own romantic life.

This movie has that simple premise and is almost entirely carried by the strength of its main characters Grace and Carter. Andrea Bang (from Kim's Convenience fame) and Joe Scarpallino give excellent performances and it's important, as this movie focuses entirely on their interactions/relationship. The acting was the standout piece and their on-screen chemistry and the solid, believable delivery are rarely seen in movies these days.

Unfortunately, for these 2 actors, the plot does them no favors. In fact, there is no plot, other than Grace sabotaging herself and her romantic life for about an hour and a half. It's a shame, because the acting is enough to keep you engaged in the movie... until you ask why you are even watching in the first place. There was nothing interesting or exciting in the story and it's easy to lose interest.

If you are looking for a character-driven drama or are the sort of person who needs good characters in a movie, this film is for you. If you need anything more, it's hard to find it in "Stay the Night" and you may find yourself bored by the half-hour mark.

Wanted a romance but not the saccharin formula of a Hallmark movie. Saw STAY THE NIGHT had a good score on IMDB with an Asian lead and decided to give it a try. The sights and sounds of Toronto's night life is background as they hop around from bars, restaurants, hotels and airports.

Definitely the couple have good chemistry. They meet at a low point in both their lives and through the night, they get close, share raw topics, help each other and a friendship and romance develops. The little twists and turns make you want more and that's always a good sign. At the end, each character grows a little and they're left better off than if this chance encounter had never happened and you wonder, what would happen if there was a sequel.

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.

The acting of the two stars namely Andrea Bang who plays Grace, and Joe Scarpellino who plays a professional hockey player named Carter Stone is first rate. Ms. Bang is well known for her previous role in the TV sitcom series (2016-2021) Kim's Convenience as daughter and photography student Janet. The difficulty in a film which is in the romance/drama genre and focuses mainly on just two characters may be a cheaper way to develop a film from a cost perspective as there are fewer actors to have to pay for a supporting cast but the risk is the viewing audience needs to invest a lot of their own emotions into the characters these two individuals are portraying.

I give the film an unacceptable 4 out of 10 IMDb rating.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

... 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.

This is my first IMDB review - that is how amazing this movie is. While you feel it will be predictable when it begins, it is highly unexpected. The local Toronto feel makes it that much more charming. I've always thought my city in the winter is completely magical and this movie captures it. It also reminds me of Dogfight (River Phoenix, Lili Taylor) which is one of my favourite movies. Huge kudos to Renuka Jeyapalan. It's on free Crave for all my Canucks. Make sure you check out this sweet movie with someone you like...or even better a complete stranger who's visiting your city for only one night.