STAY SAFE

Stay Safe (2025) plunges viewers into a hauntingly plausible near-future where a deadly mutated virus has turned the world into a tense pandemic hot zone. The film follows Eva Shepherd, a dedicated U.S. Navy pandemic surgeon, as she battles not only the virus but also her own unraveling sanity. One evening during curfew, Eva and her boyfriend, Patricio, encounter Isabel—a distressed woman fleeing military police—and Eva brings her into their home. Soon after, Eva begins to suffer terrifying nightmares and hallucinations, and discovers that she might be pregnant despite all logical evidence. As her behavior grows erratic, Eva’s loved ones begin to doubt her grip on reality.

It’s eventually revealed that Isabel is a demonic entity, sowing discord and intent on destroying Eva’s life. Eva must piece together cryptic clues from her disturbed dreams to perform a chilling exorcism and purge Isabel from her home before it’s too late. The film expertly weaves a tense atmosphere of isolation and fear, blending psychological horror with supernatural dread.

Kate Miner delivers a riveting performance as Eva, portraying the character’s vulnerability through fear, strength, and desperation. Jason Canela plays Patricio with emotional grounding, balancing Eva’s plight and uncertainty. Their relationship adds an extra layer of intimacy and tension to the escalating horror.

Director Carlos V. Gutierrez brings a clinical precision to the storytelling, using the claustrophobic setting and unsettling hallucinations to emphasize Eva’s inner turmoil. The cinematography, marked by dim lighting and tight framing, mirrors the protagonist’s mental descent. Complemented by an eerie score from White Stork, the atmosphere remains oppressive and suspenseful throughout.

Stay Safe explores themes of trust, the boundaries of reality, and the psychological toll of pandemics. While it draws parallels to virus-related horror classics, it stands out with its unique twist: a demonic force manipulating both body and mind. The film doesn’t just unsettle—it provokes questions about how quickly humanity’s sense of security can unravel when fear takes hold.

Though still awaiting broad release, early responses suggest that Stay Safe has potential as a standout in pandemic horror. It offers more than jump scares—it presents a chilling meditation on isolation, paranoia, and the hidden dangers that might lurk beneath even well-meaning acts of kindness. If you’re drawn to smart, atmospheric horror, this film might just stay with you long after the credits roll.