‘IF’ irrefutably feel-good

When 2024 began, I did not anticipate writing reviews for two films about imaginary friends. Certainly, the subject matter has overwhelming potential, but after the release of the underwhelming Imaginary, IF was not exactly on my most anticipated list. Then again, the duo of John Krasinski and Ryan Reynolds, the impressive interpolation of 3D animation, and a staggering voice cast piqued my interest.

Despite so many elements working in its favour, IF begins as a film that’s less than the sum of its parts. Something it shares with Imaginary is its loose grip on its own rules. The film presents a puzzling premise in which imaginary friends not only exist but are also in danger of disappearing if they’re forgotten for too long.

When a sullen 12-year-old named Bea, played by Cailey Fleming, somehow sees these magical beings, she becomes their strongest advocate, aiding a beleaguered Cal, played by Ryan Reynolds, in finding sanctuary for this endangered species in the form of a new child to bond with.

The creatures Bea sees come in all shapes and sizes. There’s a talking ice cube in a glass of water whose only reason for being is that the child who imagined them was thirsty. A hyper-expressive unicorn, and a 10-foot-tall bundle of purple fur named Blue by a colour-blind child. The designs are charming and their back stories are humorous, paired with an impressive voice cast of recognisable stars.

Yet the distinct lack of context for how this world works makes it difficult to connect with the purported drama or its comedy. At one point the movie introduces an imaginary friend that is all of 96 years old, making the threat of fading away feel a lot less perilous. Halfway through, I had laughed only twice, with most of my time spent trying to piece together the movie’s logic.

Then miraculously it all seemed to click. The inconsistent details of the film were merely that. Details. By the end of it, the movie’s emotional story resonated profoundly. Its awkward attempt at a grandiose story still frustrated, but the characters and their plight had won me over. Heartstrings were tugged upon, as a film that began as an overly polished celebrity free-for-all turned into a whimsical tear-jerker.

The road to get there is rocky, but the movie’s sweet story of a young girl processing her grief with a little help from her cartoon friends found a way to warm the cockles of my heart. Its score by Michael Giacchino goes a long way in selling the movie’s emotional gut punches, and its visual effects are seamless. Its ‘anything goes’ approach to its lore is a distraction, to say the least; but take the film’s advice and watch through the eyes of your inner child, and you’ll be sure to see through its failings and feel its magic.

Rating: Big Screen Watch

Damian Levy is a film critic and podcaster for Damian Michael Movies.