Please Stand By

Please Stand By

Year: 2018

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

Director: Ben Lewin

Echo Score: 65
DramaComedy

A quirky and resourceful woman with autism finds herself on a liberating road trip to film her 500-page screenplay. Determined to bring her creative vision to life, she embraces her unique perspective and navigates a world that often feels confusing. Through laughter and perseverance, she defies expectations and pursues her dreams, showcasing the strength of the human spirit.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Please Stand By (2018)

Trace every key event in Please Stand By (2018) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Wendy's Daily Life

Wendy, an autistic woman, lives in a group home in San Francisco, where she enjoys a routine focused on her passion for Star Trek. Her dream is to write a 450-page Star Trek script, aiming for the $100,000 prize in a screenwriting contest held by Paramount Pictures.

San Francisco
2

Sisterly Visit

Wendy's life takes a turn with the visit from her sister Audrey, who brings photos of her baby daughter, Ruby. During this visit, they discuss selling their childhood home, sparking Wendy's desire to reclaim her family and home by winning the contest.

3

Emotional Breakdown

After Audrey dismisses Wendy's plea to join her and care for Ruby, Wendy experiences an emotional crisis. Feeling rejected and misunderstood, she flees the group home, overwhelmed by despair and confusion.

Group Home
4

Journey to Los Angeles

Determined to present her script, Wendy embarks on a spontaneous adventure to Los Angeles, hoping to deliver it herself. Accompanied by Pete, the group home's beloved dog, Wendy faces unexpected challenges on the way.

San Francisco to Los Angeles
5

Stranded and Vulnerable

A comedic mishap leaves Wendy and Pete stranded during their bus journey. Wandering into a shanty town, Wendy's innocence becomes her vulnerability as she is taken advantage of, leaving her without money.

Shanty Town
6

A Helping Hand

Wendy's luck changes when Rose, an elderly woman acquainted with autism, offers her help. She brings Wendy onto a seniors' bus, providing her with a temporary refuge as Wendy continues her quest.

On the Seniors' Bus
7

Bus Crash Incident

Disaster strikes when the bus driver falls asleep, leading the vehicle to crash. Wendy wakes up in a hospital in Bakersfield, her determination to submit her script unwavering despite the new setbacks.

Bakersfield
8

Loss and Perseverance

After escaping from the hospital, Wendy accidentally loses parts of her script but refuses to give up. With her remarkable spirit, she uses any paper available to continue piecing together her story.

Bakersfield
9

Search Party Forms

Back in San Francisco, Audrey and Scottie grow increasingly worried about Wendy's safety. They file a missing persons report and decide to travel to Los Angeles, hoping to find Wendy and recover her dreams.

San Francisco
10

Sneaking onto a Bus

Facing financial struggles, Wendy cleverly sneaks onto a bus by hiding in the cargo area. This audacious move allows her to continue her journey and manifests her adventurous spirit as she arrives in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles
11

Police Encounter

Wendy's presence in Los Angeles catches the attention of two police officers who recognize her from the missing report. They use their knowledge of Klingon, a language she loves, to build rapport and guide her back to safety.

Local Precinct
12

Submission at Paramount

This unexpected encounter leads Wendy straight to Paramount Pictures, where she finally aims to submit her script. Despite facing resistance from a mailroom clerk, her determination pushes her to bypass security and place her script in the submission box.

Paramount Pictures
13

Letter from Paramount

Weeks later, Wendy receives a letter from Paramount notifying her that her script was not selected. Instead of feeling defeated, Wendy is inspired by the encouragement to keep writing, appreciating the journey she undertook.

14

Reunion with Ruby

The story culminates with a touching reunion between Wendy and Audrey at their childhood home. Holding her niece, Ruby, for the first time, Wendy feels a profound bond with her sister, enhancing their relationship with love and newfound understanding.

Childhood Home

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 09:56

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Please Stand By Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Please Stand By

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Please Stand By

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More About Please Stand By

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