The Stand In (2020 film)

The Stand In is a 2020 American romantic comedy film directed by Jamie Babbit, written by Sam Bain, and starring Drew Barrymore, Michael Zegen, T.J. Miller and Holland Taylor.

Actress Candy Black was once a blockbuster comedic star, but after years of drug abuse and anger issues is considered difficult to work with.

On the set of one of her movies, she refuses to work until her stand-in Paula reveals the director may replace her with Melissa McCarthy.

Candy locks herself up in her Long Island mansion for five years, while facing many legal issues from her addictions and tax evasion.

Her romantic pen pal relationship with Steve Grady, also passionate about Shaker carpentry is her one joy - however, she secretly writes as Cathy Tyler, her actual legal name.

During the date, Steve admits he is actually Larry Cooper from Ann Arbor, Michigan, infamous for accidentally peeing on the New Orleans Holocaust Memorial while drunk.

Confusion ensues over their respective secret identities, and Cathy realizes Paula sabotaged her relationship with Steve to further their career.

She refuses Paula's offer, and after complimenting her Method acting skills over the past few months, she gut-punches her for trying to sabotage her and Steve.

No longer living in her own shadow, Cathy and Steve have a happy, quiet, successful life as woodworkers in a Shaker community with her own business.

In February 2018, Drew Barrymore joined the cast of the film and served as a producer under her company banner, with Jamie Babbit directing from a screenplay by Sam Bain.

The website's critics consensus reads: "Despite impressively committed work from Drew Barrymore in a dual role, The Stand In struggles to find the humor in a premise with no shortage of comedic potential.