Family movies should take note of IF and stop underestimating their audiences. IF, the incredibly imaginative film written and directed by John Krasinski, is a breath of fresh air. It brings a fun concept, pairs it with an all-star ensemble cast and delivers an experience that captivates audiences of all ages. Even with some predictable twists and some overly sentimental moments, IF stands as one of the best kids’ movies I have seen in a long time.
The story of IF follows Bea (Cailey Fleming), a young girl who has grown up too soon and lost the childlike wonder that used to drive her. While in NYC to stay near her dad (Krasinski) as he undergoes surgery, she discovers she has the ability to see people’s imaginary friends, referred to as “IFs.” After discovering that her neighbour Cal (Ryan Reynolds) shares this special power, she learns to embrace her imagination and to not give up on being a kid. Together, they embark on a magical adventure to reunite forgotten IFs with the children who created them.
At least that is the basics of the plot, but what makes IF so unique is the invitation to everyone, young and old, to embrace their imagination and sense of wonder. As we get older, we forget how important it is to embrace the wonder and excitement that life brings and bury it under the stress and burdens growing up inevitably pile on. Krasinski manages to tap into that inner child in all of us, giving a glimpse of that sense of excitement that is never more pure than when we are young, excited for what comes next.
Krasinski has assembled an impressive roster of talent for both the live-action and voice cast. Alongside Fleming and Reynolds, the film features Krasinski himself, Fiona Shaw, Alan Kim, and Liza Colón-Zayas. The voice cast is equally stellar, with Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr., Steve Carell, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Maya Rudolph, Jon Stewart, and many more lending their vocal talents to bring the wonderfully unique IF characters to life.
“…what makes IF so unique is the invitation to everyone, young and old, to embrace their imagination and sense of wonder.”
It is amazing to see such actors lending their voices to a range of characters, each playing into many different needs and fears their children may have had. I would challenge anyone not to find at least one character you have not wished you had by your side in times of struggle, and with the voice talents at work, they feel oddly human, even in their animated forms.
The film’s concept is both original and endearing, exploring the idea that imaginary friends are “time capsules for our hopes, dreams, ambitions.” Krasinski’s script delves into the emotional journey of growing up and the bittersweet moment when children outgrow their beloved imaginary companions. By personifying these forgotten friends, IF taps into a universal experience and delivers a poignant message about the enduring power of imagination.
That is not to say IF shies away from some of the more heartbreaking moments we all experience as we grow older. I have to admit I don’t have any kids, but I could find many aspects that resonated with my life, even if not directly. We all have those moments that challenge our youthful innocence and challenge us to grow up faster than needed. I have to say I commend Krasinski for not being afraid to include these moments and respect his potential younger audience. Much like it was when audiences first saw Pixar’s UP, while they may be challenging, it gives a heart that makes it more authentic and relatable to everyone.
“The voice cast is equally stellar, with Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr., Steve Carell, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Maya Rudolph, Jon Stewart, and many more lending their vocal talents to bring the wonderfully unique IF characters to life.”
Visually, the film promises to be a stunning blend of live-action and animation. It is a visual spectacle that brings the imagination to life with breathtaking realism and splendour. The IFs themselves are imagined in unique ways, with each offering vibrant character designs that reflect the boundless creativity of a child’s mind. From the excitable humanoid butterfly Blossom to the kind purple furry creature Blue, each IF is imbued with a distinct personality and charm. Even the style of the characters helps reflect the many different time periods they may have come from, giving visual cues just who they may belong to and begging the audience to wonder about their origin and who may have dreamt them up.
I have been going on about the visual effects, but even with the magnificent CGI on display, it is the human touch that makes IF something special. Fleming and Reynolds play off each other incredibly well and help the audience connect with the many fantastical characters the film brings to life. It is their connection that helps us work past the struggles and ultimately embrace the importance of the childlike wonder we all lose as we get older. Even though Reynolds often goes too far into the sarcastic charm he is known for, he manages a relatively subdued and heartfelt portrait that gives the material he is working with a warmth that helps it all work.
“I welcomed the childlike wonder to wash over me, embracing the characters in IF enough that I was sad to see it come to an end.”
I don’t want to sell IFs supporting cast short. Everyone on screen is giving their roles their best, with Krasinski as Bea’s father stealing the show whenever he is on screen. The rest of the cast do a great job, bringing performances that manage to balance maturity and innocence without the cynicism or pop culture humour when trying to bridge the gap between kids and adults, something I am genuinely grateful for.
Does everything land perfectly? Of course not, but IF manages to find a great balance of story, creativity and talent that makes the small fallible moments not matter. There are some twists that people may catch early on, and even some tropes that do little to help the story, but in the end, I did not care, and I welcomed the childlike wonder to wash over me, embracing the characters in IF enough that I was sad to see it come to an end.
At a time when studios are often risk averse, prioritizing sequels, adaptations and safe bets, IF stands out as a wholly original and imaginative endeavour. It celebrates the boundless creativity of childhood while not sugarcoating the bittersweet realities of growing up. With its perfect blend of humour, heart, and visual enchantment, IF is poised to be a must-see film for audiences of all ages when it hits theatres later this week.
