The Stand-In
The Stand-In

Movie spotlight

The Stand-In

2017
Movie
75 min
Italian

A small film crew is wandering about Marrakesh and the surrounding desert. They are looking for locations for the remake of an American film in which a man swims his way home, passing through the houses and pools that he finds along the route. Corrado is the stand in used to test the shots, locations and the swimming pools in which the lead will be filmed. While we watch his attempts to get into the part, the real actors and a real crew burst onto the scene, on a set in which no one is in the right place. A film with a crisis of identity, in a surreal search for itself.

Insights

IMDb5.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes64%
Metacritic55/100
Google Users72%
Director: Alex H. LeeGenres: Drama, Comedy

Plot Summary

A struggling actor hires a stand-in to take on his acting roles, leading to unexpected complications and a surreal journey into his own psyche. As the stand-in gains more recognition, the actor must confront his own insecurities and the nature of identity. The film explores themes of ambition, self-doubt, and the blurry line between performance and reality.

Critical Reception

The Stand-In received mixed to positive reviews, with critics often praising its original concept and performances, particularly from Taran Killam. However, some found the execution to be uneven, with the film's quirky tone sometimes detracting from its dramatic weight. Audiences were generally divided, appreciating its unique approach but finding it niche.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its inventive premise and Taran Killam's committed performance.

  • Noted for its blend of dark comedy and existential drama.

  • Some critics felt the film struggled to maintain a consistent tone and narrative momentum.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's originality and Killam's performance, often describing it as a quirky and thought-provoking indie film. Some found it a bit strange or slow at times, but generally, the reception was positive for its unique storytelling.

Fun Fact

The film was inspired by director Alex H. Lee's own experiences with imposter syndrome and the feeling of having a 'stand-in' self.

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