When Bea (Cailey Fleming) starts seeing imaginary friends (‘IFs’) who are no longer attached to their kids, she starts a mission to bring them back together. She is joined by grumpy, middle-aged-man, Cal (Ryan Reynolds) who has previously been in charge of reassigning the IFs. IF is written and directed by (and also stars) John Krasinski, in a film that I imagine is 100% what it feels like inside his mind (complimentary).
The cast for this film is incredible. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many big names in roles where we don’t see their faces, and it blends animation and live-action beautifully. In fact, the shots look thoroughly thought out- a testament, I think, to just how much care Krasinski put into the project. It is evident on screen that this was a labour of love from him.
I would argue that this film about the power of imagination is more for adults than it is for kids. Its main character is Bea, a 12-year-old who doesn’t see herself as a kid anymore and has to learn not to want to grow up so fast- advice all of us who now pay bills wish that we had heeded when we had the chance. Bea learns to let her imagination run wild and goes on a journey of reminding jaded adults of their dreams to help these lost IFs.
I say this movie is more for adults because IF takes us back to the times before we put limitations on our imaginations. Before we were scared to look ‘naïve’ and ‘crazy’. Before life threw us experiences that made it difficult to for us to hope. It reminds us that the world is always going to be what it is, and we get to decide how much fun that we have while we’re in it.
IF is available in theatres on Friday, May 17th, 2024.
