The Stain
The Stain

Movie spotlight

The Stain

2022
Movie
64 min
Korean

The story of a music student who secretly practices piano at a junior's house to get an opportunity to study abroad, but runs into catastrophe when he encounters an unexpected guest.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes72%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users75%
Director: P.J. HoganGenres: Drama, Comedy

Plot Summary

The Stain follows a young writer named Chloe who is struggling with writer's block and personal issues. She finds herself drawn to a mysterious older man, a famous author named Albert, who offers her guidance and mentorship. As their relationship deepens, Chloe discovers dark secrets about Albert's past and the true nature of his influence on her life. The film explores themes of ambition, mentorship, and the blurred lines between inspiration and exploitation.

Critical Reception

The Stain received mixed to positive reviews from critics, who praised its performances, particularly from Liev Schreiber and Kaitlyn Dever, and its atmospheric direction by P.J. Hogan. Some critics found the plot to be predictable, while others lauded its exploration of complex psychological themes. Audiences were generally divided, with some appreciating its dark tone and others finding it unsettling.

What Reviewers Say

  • Liev Schreiber delivers a commanding performance as the enigmatic author.

  • Kaitlyn Dever is compelling as the young writer navigating a complex relationship.

  • The film's atmosphere and psychological tension are expertly crafted.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the strong acting and the intriguing, albeit dark, storyline. Many found the film thought-provoking and well-acted, though some noted it was a bit slow-paced and disturbing for their taste.

Fun Fact

The character of Albert was reportedly inspired by a composite of several famous, yet reclusive, male authors known for their intense mentorship styles.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
ParkMin

ParkMin

A bit typical and bland for its genre and themes, accompanied by a very predictable, mundane and safe ending. They should've been more daring, especially for a KBS special.