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Standby

Name: Standby
Director: Rob Burke, Ronan Burke
Released: 2014
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

3.5/10

Limited

2014

Director

Rob Burke, Ronan Burke

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Standby is a localized romantic dramedy that prioritizes personal redemption over social critique. The narrative follows a standard trajectory for the genre, focusing on the emotional compatibility of two former lovers. The film lacks multi-layered depth, adhering to traditional storytelling clichés. It functions as a character study within a homogeneous social environment rather than a tool for systemic subversion. While the film avoids derogatory clichés, it does not actively work to disrupt established cultural or social hierarchies, resulting in a conventional viewing experience.

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Category Breakdown

Does Standby have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on a heterosexual reunion between Alan and Alice. It follows traditional romantic conventions without explicit LGBTQ+ identities or critiques of the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Standby portray gender?

Fair

The story centers on Alan's professional and romantic struggles. While Alice drives his emotional growth, the narrative follows a traditional arc rather than challenging gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Standby?

Limited

Set in Dublin, the film appears to feature a predominantly Eurocentric cast. The narrative lacks evidence of diverse casting or efforts to challenge demographic norms.

How does Standby represent religion and culture?

Fair

The plot operates within a conventional Western framework of individualistic emotional growth. It adheres to standard sentimentalist structures common in the romance genre.

Does Standby include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or invisible disabilities central to the character arcs or the plot progression.

Present on Screen

Avoids derogatory clichés or harmful stereotypes in its romantic depiction.
Provides a focused, character-driven study of personal accountability and emotional growth.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial and ethnic diversity, reflecting a largely homogeneous Eurocentric environment.
Follows traditional gender and romantic structures rather than challenging them.
Does not explore multi-layered identities or systemic social critiques.

Official Synopsis

Twenty-something Alan (Gleeson) is down on his luck. Stood up at the altar and recently fired from his banking job, he finds himself working with his mother as a part-time tourist advisor at Dublin Airport. It's there he comes face to face with first love Alice (Paré), stuck on standby for a flight home to New York. Their summer romance ended eight years previously with Alan promising to return to the US one day. He never did, and they haven't spoken since. Seizing his chance, Alan convinces a reluctant Alice to stay one more night in Dublin. Over the course of an unforgettable evening, they may just realise that they are more compatible than ever. But time is running out on this brief encounter. When does an unexpected second chance, become the one you've always been looking for? - Written by Wildcard Distribution

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