Drew Barrymore is back to bring some light-hearted spirit to 2020 with “The Stand-In.” The story of a woman finding her place in the life of a troubled actress has long been fodder for filmmakers. This comedic take on the themes found among classics like “All About Eve” offers the delightful actress—who is also hosting a new talk show—the chance to shine. The dual roles of the starlet with an addiction and her shy stand-in also give the actress room to explore moments from her life in surprisingly poignant ways. Michael Zegen, TJ Miller, Holland Taylor, and Michelle Buteau also star alongside Barrymore.
Behind the camera, the film brings together two steady presences with their own knack for twisting conventional TV tropes. Jamie Babbit is fresh from a stint directing selected episodes of “Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens” and is currently slated to work on Amazon’s upcoming “A League of Their Own” series. It’s a jump in style and tones that Babbit perfectly navigates. The comedy’s script comes from Sam Bain, better known to British audiences and Anglophiles alike for his work with Mitchell and Webb. His resume includes writing credits on popular series “Peep Show” and “That Mitchell and Webb Look.”
The Film’s Official Synopsis:
“When ordered to serve a year in rehab, actress Candy (Drew Barrymore) hires her on set stand-in to take her place. The unassuming woman flips the script and steals her identity, career and boyfriend in this hilarious comedy about trading places.”
All of the conundrums of being someone you’re not come to light in “The Stand-In.” Viewers don’t have a long wait for this project; it is scheduled for a December 11 release in select theaters, on-demand, and digital. Watch the new trailer to get your first look at the film.