Please Stand By

In a world dominated by the mundane, Wendy, an autistic woman with an unwavering love for Star Trek, resides in a San Francisco group home overseen by Scottie. Each day, she’s immersed in her ambitious project: writing a 450-page Star Trek script for a shot at the $100,000 prize from Paramount Pictures’ screenwriting contest.

Wendy’s tranquil routine shatters with the arrival of her sister Audrey, who shares photos of her baby daughter, Ruby, and discusses selling their childhood home. Desperate to join her sister, Wendy believes that winning the contest will enable her to reclaim the home and care for Ruby. However, when Audrey dismisses her plea, it leads to an emotional breakdown, prompting Wendy to flee the group home in despair.

Determined to turn her dreams into reality, Wendy embarks on a spontaneous quest to Los Angeles to deliver her cherished script herself. Accompanied by Pete, the group home’s lovable dog, they board a bus, only to be stranded after a comedic mishap involving Pete. Wandering into a shanty town, Wendy’s innocence is taken advantage of, leaving her broke and vulnerable.

Fortunately, Rose, a compassionate elderly woman familiar with caring for an autistic grandson, steps in and brings Wendy onto a seniors’ bus. However, disaster strikes when the bus driver dozes off, causing the vehicle to crash.

Wendy awakens in a hospital in Bakersfield, still resolute in her intention to deliver her script. After escaping, she leaves Pete behind and accidentally loses parts of her manuscript. Yet, with her indomitable spirit, she pieces together her story, scribbling on whatever paper she can find.

Back in San Francisco, Audrey and Scottie are worried sick about Wendy and file a missing persons report. They deduce that she’s ventured to Los Angeles to present her script and, joined by Sam, they set off in search of her, collecting remnants of her cinematic dream along the way.

As Wendy pushes forward, her journey becomes more challenging due to finances, forcing her to ingeniously sneak onto a bus by hiding in the cargo area. Emerging in Los Angeles like a free spirit, her presence captures the attention of two police officers, who, recognizing her from the missing report, use their knowledge of Klingon – a language Wendy adores – to gain her trust and guide her back to both Audrey and Scottie at the local precinct, a significant moment that alters her trajectory.

By chance, this encounter leads her directly to Paramount Pictures, where she aims to submit her script. Despite facing an unyielding mailroom clerk, Wendy’s tenacity shines as she slips past security and places her script in the submission box. She leaves exhilarated, eager to demonstrate her worth to her sister, who she senses has underestimated her capabilities.

Weeks later, Wendy receives a letter from Paramount, informing her that her script was not chosen for production. However, rather than feeling defeated, she’s uplifted by the encouragement to keep writing and the satisfaction of pursuing her goal. The story culminates beautifully as Wendy visits Audrey at their childhood home, now infused with warmth as she holds her niece, Ruby, for the first time. This shared moment fortifies the sisterly bond, enriching their relationship with love and understanding.

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 09:56