Please Stand By is a heartwarming dramedy directed by Ben Lewin, which depicts the life of Wendy, a 21-year-old girl who loves Star Trek and has autism. Dakota Fanning plays the role of Wendy, portraying the character's innocence, awkwardness, and determination with a stunning performance.
The movie opens with Wendy living in a group home in Oakland, California, under the supervision of her loving but strict caregiver, Scottie, played by Toni Collette. Wendy has a clear passion for Star Trek and has been working on a 500-page script for a writing contest hosted by Paramount Pictures. Her dream is to deliver the script in person to the competition office in Los Angeles.
Despite Scottie's objections, Wendy embarks on a journey through California to fulfill her dream. She steals some cash from the home, packs her backpack with a map, some clothes, and an old Trek uniform. She sets out early one morning and soon finds herself in trouble as she fails to navigate the complex transit system in the Bay Area.
During her travels, Wendy has many adventures and meets new people along the way. Some are kind, like a police officer who helps her buy a bus ticket to LA after she is kicked off the first train. Others are not so kind, like a truck driver who, at first, seems to offer a ride but demands sexual favors in return.
Despite the setbacks, Wendy perseveres, drawing strength from the teachings of her favorite Star Trek character, Mr. Spock. The script that she carries with her serves as her guidebook, and she often refers to it for guidance and comfort.
The climax comes when Wendy finally reaches Paramount Pictures and delivers her script. Though the competition deadline has passed, she still insists on leaving the script for the judges, hoping that they may read it and be inspired. The outcome of the contest is left ambiguous, but Wendy's triumph comes from her personal growth and her realization of the ability to chart her path despite challenges.
Overall, Please Stand By is a well-executed and heartwarming movie that highlights the challenges faced by individuals with autism in navigating the world. It also perfectly captures the feeling of connection and charged enthusiasm for fandoms that people of all backgrounds can relate to.
