Please Stand By

2017, Drama/Comedy, 1h 33m

39 Reviews 500+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

Please Stand By hits a number of familiar coming-of-age beats, but adds just enough of a Trek-fueled twist to keep things interesting. Read critic reviews

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Please Stand By Videos

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Movie Info

Wendy sees things differently: she's fiercely independent, with a brilliant mind and a mischievous sense of hilarity. Wendy also has autism. To her, people are an indecipherable code and the world's a confusing place. Inspired by her no-nonsense caregiver, Wendy comes of age and escapes from her care home on the road trip of a lifetime to deliver her 500-page script to a writing competition.

Cast & Crew

Dakota Fanning
Wendy
Toni Collette
Scottie
Alice Eve
Audrey
Patton Oswalt
Police Officer Frank
Michael Stahl-David
Jack
River Alexander
Sam
Tony Revolori
Nemo
Jessica Rothe
Julie
William Stanford Davis
Creed
Ben Lewin
Director
Michael Golamco
Screenwriter
Daniel Dubiecki
Producer
Lara Alameddine
Producer
Todd Wagner
Producer
Geoffrey Simpson
Cinematography
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Critic Reviews for Please Stand By

All Critics (39) | Top Critics (10) | Fresh (22) | Rotten (17)
Full Review… Sheri Linden Hollywood Reporter Full Review… David Edelstein New York Magazine/Vulture Full Review… Rex Reed Observer Full Review… Glenn Kenny RogerEbert.com Full Review… Sara Stewart New York Post Full Review… Ella Taylor NPR Full Review… Michael J. Casey Michael J. Cinema Full Review… Josh Goller Spectrum Culture Full Review… Francisco Marinero El Mundo (Spain) Full Review… Jordi Costa El Pais (Spain) Full Review… Toni Vall Cinemanía (Spain) Full Review… Todd Jorgenson Cinemalogue
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Audience Reviews for Please Stand By

  • Jan 22, 2019
    Dakota Fanning stars in the compelling character drama Please Stand By. The story follows a young autistic woman who writers a Star Trek script for a fan competition, but when she misses the mailing deadline she decides to make a trek to Los Angeles to submit her script to the Paramount studio in person. Fanning gives an incredibly good performance, and is backed by a strong supporting cast that including Alice Eve, Toni Collette, and Patton Oswalt. Additionally, the script is especially well-written; particularly in how it uses the Star Trek motif. And the soundtrack does an impressive job at setting a lighthearted yet earnest tone. Heartwarming and inspirational, Please Stand By is an entertaining film with a positive message.
    Dann M Super Reviewer
  • Feb 07, 2018
    Dakota Fanning gets her layup shot with the easy Hollywood trope of mental illness (nearly always Oscar material performances due to sympathy, see Rain Man), and does well as a woman who dreams of submitting her Star Trek script to Paramount Studios. It's a nice story without a lot of waxy yellow buildup, even if predictable.
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
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