The Stand In

The movie The Stand In (2020) is a fascinating exploration of improbable doppelgangers, fame and identity, set against the backdrop of Hollywood’s glitz and glamour. Boasting a star-studded cast led by Drew Barrymore, supported by Sarah Jes Austell and Michael Zegen, the movie deftly portrays, not just the relentless pursuits of fame, but the tiring resilience demanded from the stars who are constantly under the microscope of their fans and critics alike.

Drew Barrymore takes on a challenging dual role, brilliantly portraying two distinctly contrasting characters: Candy Black and Paula. On one hand, she plays Candy Black, a beloved Hollywood A-list actress. Adored by millions, her character is a classic portrayal of fame's ups and downs, showcasing the enormous pressures of public life. Candy, once the sweetheart of the nation, has fallen from grace due to her troublesome temperament and behavior, resulting in career nose-diving, thus beginning a self-imposed exile from the public eye.

On the other hand, Barrymore also plays Paula, a no-nonsense stand-in for Candy Black on the movie sets. Paula is an ambitious actor herself. Her tedious job is to stand-in for Candy, enduring hours of makeup and capturing Candy's actions perfectly so the crew can light and block shots before the 'real' celebrity steps in. Far from being a glamorous Hollywood diva like Candy, Paula is a quiet, diligent woman unseen by the audience and exists only in the shadows of the star she duplicates.

Then comes a twist launching the characters into a whirlwind of situations. When a rehab stint is mandated to save Candy Black’s dilapidating career, she contrives an ingenious plan. She asks Paula to serve as a stand-in not just on the sets but in real life too. Paula now must navigate this new world of celebrity life, public appearances, and paparazzo, perfectly duplicating Candy’s identity.

Meanwhile, Candy, in her obscured anonymity, seeks a simpler life far away from the spotlight, enjoying the time she has away from the celebrity insanity. She embarks on her journey of self-discovery and attempts to reinvent her life outside the Hollywood domes.

However, things take a complicated turn when Paula begins to enjoy the borrowed celebrity life a bit too much. The line between the stand-in and the star blurs, leading to a series of comedic yet complex situations. Barrymore successfully pours life into both characters, their story marked by hilarious and often heartfelt antics, and their quest for identity in steep contrast to each other.

Adding multiple layers to the narrative, Sarah Jes Austell and Michael Zegen deliver impressive performances. While Austell plays a crucial role in defining the contours of the story, Zegen adds depth to the narrative with his remarkable portrayal.

The Stand In effectively explores the dichotomy of the movie industry, with Barrymore's performances underpinning the tale. As Candy Black and Paula, she conveys the brutal, beautiful, and sometimes absurd realities of fame, the obsessive demands of an entertainment industry that insists on impossible perfection, and ultimately, the imperativeness of finding oneself.

Unveiling the unseen side of stardom, fame, and their implications, director Jamie Babbit, along with screenwriter Sam Bain, has merged comedy and drama to craft a clever commentary on Hollywood and its often unrealistic expectations.

With its unique narrative, a big dose of humor, sprinkled with fitting emotional moments and underscored by brilliant performances, The Stand In serves as a witty, satirical take on Hollywood's behind-the-scenes machinations and offers the audience an engaging watch. The result is a comedy-drama that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

A story about identity, fame, and the price one pays for it, The Stand In uses humor and humanity to explore what it means to truly become yourself when everyone wants you to be someone else. It's not just a story of swapped identity but a journey of discovering who you are beneath the spotlight and the projected persona, thus standing as a testament to personal growth and self-acceptance. It’s a sparkling piece of cinema that's bound to leave audiences contemplating long after the credits roll.