Please Stand By

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2:25

Please Stand By

PG-13

Released Jan 26, 2018

1h 33m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

58%

Tomatometer

38 Reviews

69%

Popcornmeter

500+ Ratings

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.

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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.

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Sheri Linden

Hollywood Reporter

Lewin can't quite transcend the inconsistencies and dwindling credibility of the concept or give the material a driving pulse, even with its race-to-the-deadline setup.

Jan 29, 2018

Full Review

David Edelstein

New York Magazine/Vulture

You can guess how most of its scenes will play before you even come to them, and it has a circumspect, sanitized quality, as if meant to be shown in group homes without causing undue upset.

Jan 26, 2018

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Rex Reed

Observer

Touches the viewer with the subtle emotional wallop of a feather brushing against the heart.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 26, 2018

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Michael J. Casey

Michael J. Cinema

A lukewarm movie with its heart in the right place.

Rated: 2.5/5

Apr 8, 2021

Full Review

Josh Goller

Spectrum Culture

Checking off all the autism boxes rather than imbuing an unconventional character with additional depth ultimately dooms Please Stand By to mediocrity.

Rated: 2.75/5

Jul 20, 2019

Full Review

Francisco Marinero

El Mundo (Spain)

The movie functions well as a road film and a film about overcoming obstacles, however it almost telegraphs its ambition for awards. [Full Review in Spanish]

Rated: 2/5

Mar 1, 2019

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alan g

A very good movie about transcending ones disabilities. Dakota is great as usual. Great coming of age. Determination trumps all. A feel good movie.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/16/24

Full Review

Larry L

This is such a great movie. The critics once again have missed called it. My opinion one of Dakota Fanning's best works. And of course I love a movie with a sweet pup so that won my heart as well. Don't listen to the critics this is a must see movie. The critics don't like it because there's no sex no nudity no murder and no cursing.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/26/24

Full Review

Melissa L

As a neurodiverse viewer, I could relate to a lot of struggles of this young woman, particularly being too trusting and naive. Very heartwarming, and Dakota Fanning does an amazing job!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/08/23

Full Review

Wayne H

Heartwarming, funny, sad with an amazing performance by Dakota Fanning. I do not understand the negative reviews (obviously).

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/20/23

Full Review

Stephanie L

It was a good movie. I'd watch it again.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/27/23

Full Review

brOOtal_bananas L

Funny, sad, heartwarming... Definitely worth a watch 👍

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/22/23

Full Review

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Ben Lewin

Director

Dakota Fanning

Wendy

Toni Collette

Scottie

Alice Eve

Audrey

Patton Oswalt

Police Officer Frank

Michael Stahl-David

Jack

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Please Stand By: Trailer 1

2:25

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Synopsis

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.

Director: Ben Lewin
Producer: Daniel Dubiecki, Lara Alameddine, Todd Wagner
Screenwriter: Michael Golamco
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures
Production Co: 2929 Productions, Magnolia Pictures
Rating: PG-13 (Brief Strong Language)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 26, 2018, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 26, 2018
Runtime: 1h 33m

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