‘Stay The Night’ a Rom-Dram That Holds the Screen at SXSW
‘Stay the Night’ movie review – SXSW 2022
What’s the difference between a rom-dram that you’ve seen dozens of times, and a rom-dram directed by Renuka Jeyapalan. Quite a bit, apparently.
In “Stay the Night,” which screened at SXSW, Jeyapalan (who also wrote the script) has other plans for our two protagonist.
As soon as the two main characters meet, you may think you’ve seen this before. You may already be anticipating every twist and turn headed your way.
This is a rom-dram, so yes, many of those situations will play out over the next 94 minutes. But it soon becomes clear that Jeyapalan has a different, and more nuanced, take for us as the unsuspecting couple eventually fall into each other’s arms.
Stay the Night
As the title suggests, the drama (and romance) unfold over one night as Grace (Andrea Bang) uncharacteristically hits the town. Usually a bit more reserved, Grace needs to let off some steam after getting passed over on a big promotion.
At the other end of this rink, is Carter (Joe Scarpellino). His career goals have also taken a hit as he is released by his pro hockey team, moments before he was ready to hit the ice.
As in any rom-com/rom-dram, these two bruised souls serendipitously meet and eventually end up back at Carter’s hotel. Awkward moments ensue, but the night continues – outside. Together, Grace and Carter traverse the streets of Toronto, in a more revelatory route than either probably expected.
There is plenty of self-doubt and self-discovery along the way, as each try and figure out where they stand at this particular moment in time. Given the strength and chemistry between the two leads, and the direction by Jeyapalan, you find yourself genuinely rooting for Grace and Carter to find the truth within themselves, which may be the path needed for them to get together.
While “Stay the Night” isn’t a wildly inventive romantic drama, it is a fun watch. It is well paced, well-acted, and has natural dialogue and flow in a way many do not. Most importantly, it has a solid cast and the two leads hold the screen.