Disney’s Andscape is dropping a new supernatural thriller film, “Stay,” starring Megalyn Echikunwoke and Mo McRae! Directed and written by Jas Summers, “Stay” dives deep into a married couple’s separation. Get ready for some life-or-death drama as supernatural forces invade their once-perfect home. “Stay” will be the leading film for Huluween programming, debuting on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ on October 8th. You can also catch it at the New Orleans Film Festival on October 25th.
At first glance, “Stay” might seem like a stylish haunted house flick, but the narrative goes much deeper. We follow Kiara, a PhD author of African spirituality, and Miles, a former MMA fighter, as they face the end of their marriage. It’s a relatable story of watching intimacy crumble under disappointment. But “Stay” kicks it up a notch when soul-shaking supernatural forces crash the party, turning a private crisis into a terrifying fight for survival. Suddenly, Kiara and Miles are battling entities beyond comprehension. Their survival depends on conquering their darkest moments with courage and love.
This blend of personal struggles and paranormal thrills feels fresh in the horror genre. Often, these stories flatten characters into predictable roles. Director Jas Summers grounds “Stay” in authentic emotion. The supernatural reflects internal fractures, suggesting that the true horror might be the unresolved wounds between two people.
The casting is perfect! Megalyn Echikunwoke, known for her roles in “Almost Family” and “Arrow,” brings depth to Kiara, a scholar who’s still vulnerable. Mo McRae, from “Sons of Anarchy” and “A Lot of Nothing,” embodies Miles as both fighter and lover. Seeing Echikunwoke and McRae as leads gives us on-screen chemistry and powerful representation of Black love within a genre that often overlooks characters of color.
That representation matters. Horror has struggled with tropes that kill off Black characters early or use them for comic relief. But modern Black horror—like Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” and Nia DaCosta’s “Candyman”—proves that our stories resonate worldwide. “Stay” continues that legacy by centering a Black couple whose culture, spirituality, and humanity shape the narrative. Kiara’s knowledge of African spirituality isn’t just a detail; it’s key to how they understand and fight the supernatural. It’s great to see Andscape, a platform for Black voices, bring this story to mainstream audiences.
The timing of “Stay” couldn’t be better. Huluween is the place for horror fans to binge new content. By making “Stay” the lead film, Hulu is saying this isn’t just filler—it’s a must-see event. And its showing at the New Orleans Film Festival adds credibility, introducing the film to cinephiles. New Orleans, with its spiritual ties, is the perfect city for this screening.
Thematically, “Stay” tackles the cost of holding onto pain and the power of love. Horror often uses monsters to show trauma, and “Stay” embraces that while focusing on the everyday struggles of marriage. The supernatural terror becomes a metaphor for how unresolved conflict can grow monstrous. Watching Kiara and Miles fight for their lives feels cathartic, because beneath the scares is a story about reclaiming love, resilience, and hope.
As October comes closer, “Stay” promises chills and heart. With its Black leads, cultural details, and emotional story, it pushes the supernatural thriller into new territory. If you love horror, romance, and character-driven stories, don’t miss this Huluween premiere!
Because sometimes, the scariest thing isn’t a ghost—it’s losing the person you love most.
