What Is the Story About?
Megan (Cush Jumbo) happily and blissfully enjoying a family life is jolted back to her past when Lorraine (Sarah Parish) appears out of nowhere. She is an old acquaintance who reminds Megan of an old foe who is coming after her.
Performances?
Cush Jumbo playing a role with a compromising past has done well in a role that offers very predictable emotions. She breezes through the part with clinical ease and delivers all the necessary. In fact, one gets a feeling that it’s a flatter and weak role for her talent.
Analysis
Daniel O’Hara and Lindy Haymann have directed the series Stay Close. It is a typical mystery drama where the lead protagonist’s past catches up and disrupts the present.
Stay Close begins on a very happy and predictable note. The world-building is on expected lines, but the actors make it all work with their chemistry.
Even when the actual story kicks off with the introduction of the past via Lorraine, nothing exciting happens. It is only when the Ray Levine track takes off that one is intrigued by the proceedings.
The investigative part is decent with good characterisation and acting by the senior James Nesbitt. It is the parts involving him, Ray and Megan (outside of her family) that hold our attention.
The subplots involving the many supporting characters and their drama is as predictable as it comes. However, James Nesbitt makes it work to an extent. It is the same with Cush Jumbo, but on a lesser level.
Still, as the narrative progresses there is an undercurrent element of suspense and the red herrings built around Ray that do intrigue. The grand making and the casting, add to the appeal to continue with the proceedings even when it is predictable.
After a point, it is all about the revelation. There is a good build-up to it, and the screenplay is fine in holding the attention. However, when it comes to the finale, it doesn’t hit the mark.
The thing with a really good end for a thriller is all pieces coming together to create a perfect picture. It feels complete, but that ha not the case with Stay Close.
After the end, we have more doubts than earlier, and then the movie ends as if everything is alright. The final and the other predictable tracks make Stay Close a decent watch at best for the lovers of the genre.
Overall, Stay Close is a routine mystery thriller that is engaging in parts. It is also when one gives it a lenient pass. Give it a try, if you are a sucker of the genre.
Other Artists?
Among the many artists present in the series, James Nesbitt and Richard Armitage stand out. While on the surface they are part of an ongoing investigation in their own way, they also do romance of different kinds. James Nesbitt plays the old school romance to perfection while Richard plays the obsessed lover. Both try to bring some depth to the superficial narrative with their genuine acts.
The rest of the supporting cast too is fine even though they play predictable tropes. Sarah Parish gets a better character impact wise. It is a mixed bag at the key moment, though. The kids, the assassination couple, the husband are alright.
Music and Other Departments?
David Buckley and Luke Richards provide the background score for the series. It is perfect for the loud narrative. A few sequences are elevated, also. The cinematography by Giulio Buccari is neat. The richness of the setting is presented well. The editing could have been better. The writing is ordinary. It is par for a course for a routine candyfloss sort of thriller.
Highlights?
Casting
Production Design
BGM
Build-Up
Drawbacks?
Routine Premise
Ending
Dragging Drama In Sub PlotsDid I Enjoy It?
Yes, But Few Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Huge Reservations
Stay Close Review by Binged Bureau
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