Directed by Ben Lewin and written by Michael Golamco, the 2017 film Please Stand By tells the story of Wendy, a young autistic woman. Wendy runs away from her caregiver to submit a 500-page manuscript for Paramount Pictures' "Star Trek" screenwriting contest. The movie follows Wendy's struggle to prove her independence and the challenges she faces as an autistic individual, as well as her pursuit of her passion as a "Star Trek" fan. The cast includes Dakota Fanning (Wendy), Alice Eve (Audrey) and Toni Collette (Scottie). Critics have called it an engaging and accurate portrayal of youth with autism.
Official Movie Trailer (YouTube)
Plot
Wendy, a young autistic woman, is an independent and intelligent young woman. She is a fan of "Star Trek" and writes in her spare time. She runs away from her babysitter to submit a 500-page manuscript to the "Star Trek" screenwriting contest organized by Paramount Pictures. Taking her dog Pete with her, she embarks on a long journey to Los Angeles. During the journey, she loses her money and gets into a bus accident. After the bus accident, Wendy wakes up in a hospital in Bakersfield. She escapes from the hospital and begins to rewrite the missing parts of her script. Meanwhile, her babysitter Scottie and her sister Audrey start looking for her. Wendy reaches Los Angeles by hiding in the luggage compartment of a bus. Once in Los Angeles, Wendy is found by the police and reunites with Scottie and Audrey at the police station. Together they go to Paramount Pictures and Wendy manages to deliver the script despite the difficulties. Although her script is not selected, she is pleased with everything she has accomplished and strengthens her bond with her sister.
Theme
The main theme of Please Stand By is a young woman with autism's quest for independence, her struggle to prove her own abilities and her struggle to survive. It also emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's passion (writing a Star Trek script), family ties (her relationship with her sister Audrey) and the determination to achieve one's goals despite obstacles. The film also touches on the theme of positively portraying the place of individuals with autism in society and their abilities.
Cast and Characters
Wendy (Dakota Fanning): Wendy, the main character of the movie, is a young, autistic, independent and intelligent woman. She has a great interest in the "Star Trek" universe and writes in her spare time. Her goal is to submit her 500-page manuscript to the "Star Trek" screenplay contest organized by Paramount Pictures. Because she must submit her script in person, she runs away from her babysitter and embarks on a journey of hundreds of miles to prove her worth.
Audrey (Alice Eve): Wendy's sister. She feels that Wendy cannot take care of a baby and initially refuses Wendy's request to return to live with her parents. She searches for Wendy throughout the movie and eventually comes to appreciate her sister's abilities and independence.
Scottie (Toni Collette): Wendy's caretaker at the group home in San Francisco. She is protective of Wendy and worries for her safety. When Wendy goes missing, she sets out with Audrey to find her.
Box Office
The film's gross in the United States and Canada was $9,868. On its opening weekend, January 28, 2018, it grossed $4,090 in the United States and Canada. Its total worldwide gross is $406,732.
