Stone Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A parole officer sleeps with an arsonist’s wife, and then everyone gets really confused about religion and free will.

🍿 Stone: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Jack Mabry

Jack Mabry (Robert De Niro) is a parole officer nearing retirement. He is a man burdened by a past incident where he threatened his wife and child. Now, he seeks to finish his career with a sense of order, taking on his final cases with diligence.

The Case of Gerald ‘Stone’ Creeson

Jack’s new case is Gerald ‘Stone’ Creeson (Edward Norton), a convicted arsonist seeking parole. Stone is serving time for the death of his grandparents and arson. Stone attempts to manipulate Jack through charm and philosophical probing, but Jack resists.

Lucetta’s Seduction

Seeing little progress, Stone enlists his wife, Lucetta (Milla Jovovich), to seduce Jack. Lucetta’s plan works, and Jack begins an affair with her. He wrestles with his actions and their impact on his life.

Stone’s Transformation and Jack’s Descent

While Jack is caught in his affair, Stone experiences a spiritual awakening. He discovers a unique spiritual path, which causes a shift in his demeanor. Meanwhile, Jack’s life spirals out of control, straining his marriage and professional life.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jack Mabry (Robert De Niro): A parole officer nearing retirement whose rigid life is upended by a manipulative inmate and his seductive wife.
• Stone (Edward Norton): A convicted arsonist who attempts to manipulate the parole system, and parole officer Jack, through calculated means.
• Lucetta (Milla Jovovich): Stone’s wife who is tasked with seducing Jack to secure her husband’s early release, blurring the lines of loyalty and desire.
• Madylyn (Frances Conroy): Jack’s long-suffering wife trapped in a loveless marriage and haunted by a past trauma.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Stone: “I’m just saying, you experience a spiritual truth, that it comes to you through sound.” – Stone explains his newfound philosophy during a radio interview, describing how sound can lead to spiritual awakening.
• Jack: “I’m not sure what I believe anymore.” – Jack expresses his growing spiritual confusion to his pastor, as his life unravels due to Stone’s influence.
• Lucetta: “Some people tell lies. Others live them.” – Lucetta uses the movie’s tagline to describe how both Stone and Jack are living in a distorted reality.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $22,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,810,078
• Worldwide Gross: $10,300,416

💥 Stone Reviews

Personal Review

I really wanted to love this movie, especially with De Niro and Norton headlining. The premise was intriguing, and Milla Jovovich added a certain allure. However, the movie felt slow and meandering. The religious aspects seemed forced and didn’t quite gel with the overall plot. There were moments of brilliance in the acting, but the story just didn’t come together for me, leaving me with a feeling of disappointment.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Robert De Niro and Edward Norton”
  • “Viewers who enjoy psychological thrillers”
  • “Those interested in character-driven dramas”
  • “Audiences who appreciate films exploring themes of faith and redemption”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Nudity”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Violence”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While boasting strong performances from De Niro and Norton, ‘Stone’ suffers from a meandering plot and underdeveloped themes. The film struggles to balance its thriller elements with its exploration of spirituality, ultimately leaving the viewer unsatisfied.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Despite a talented cast, ‘Stone’ fails to deliver a compelling narrative. The film’s slow pace and ambiguous ending detract from its potential, making it a forgettable entry in both De Niro and Norton’s filmographies. Jovovich is believable in her role.

Audience Reactions

Edward Norton’s performance as Stone was mesmerizing and unsettling.: Many viewers praised the acting, especially Norton’s transformation and portrayal of a complex character.

Milla Jovovich delivered a surprising and captivating performance.: Several viewers commended Jovovich for her raw and believable performance, exceeding expectations.

Overall Consensus: While the acting is generally praised, ‘Stone’ is criticized for its slow pace, confusing plot, and underdeveloped themes, resulting in a mixed reception.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Edward Norton spent time with real prisoners in the Southern Michigan Correctional Facility to prepare for his role.”
• “Norton adopted his character’s accent and cornrow hairstyle from the prisoners he met during his research.”
• “Norton inserted phrases he heard from the prisoners into the dialogue to make his character more authentic.”

🖥️ How to Watch Stone?

Stone is available for streaming on various platforms, including Prime Video for rental or purchase. It can also be found on Apple TV and other digital movie providers. Check your preferred streaming service for availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Stone, you might like these similar films:

• Primal Fear (1996): Features Edward Norton in a similar role as a complex, potentially manipulative criminal with a shocking twist.
• Cape Fear (1991): A parolee seeks revenge on his former public defender who he blames for his conviction.
• Animal Factory (2000): Explores the brutal realities of prison life and the dynamics between inmates and authority figures.
• The Score (2001): Robert De Niro and Edward Norton in a crime drama with a complex power dynamic.

🛒 Stone Related Products

• Stone (Blu-ray): Own the intense drama of ‘Stone’ on Blu-ray for a high-definition viewing experience. Includes bonus features and behind-the-scenes content.
• Edward Norton: An Unauthorized Biography: Explore the life and career of Edward Norton, diving into his most iconic roles and the process behind them. Discover insights into his character choices and dedication to the craft.

🎧 Soundtrack

Stone features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Stone” – performed by Musical Modules, Written by Jon Brion

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – Movie Review

Want to know if ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ lives up to the hype? Chris Stuckmann breaks it down in this review, and I have to say, his points about the pacing are spot on. Check it out!

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