John Krasinski’s IF delivers all the warm feelings with a hefty dose of whimsy, though it might be the older kids and parents who get the most out of it.
The latest film from John Krasinski moves away from the horror of his debut flicks (A Quiet Place 1 and 2), and gives families something to kick off their Summer. IF puts the focus on Bea (Cailey Fleming), who’s had to deal with some rough experiences in her short life time. Having lost her mother when she was younger, Bea feels like she must be a “grown-up,” and be done with childish things in order to move forward.
IF
Directed By: John Krasinski
Written By: John Krasinski
Starring: Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds, Fiona Shaw, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Steve Carell, John Krasinski
Release Date: May 17, 2024
As she potentially faces more personal troubles, Bea discovers she has the ability to see other people’s imaginary friends (or IFs)…A power she seems to share with her surly/slightly odd neighbor Cal (Ryan Reynolds). As Cailey dives deeper into the world of IFs, she finds purpose in trying to reunite abandoned/forgotten IFs with their former kids. Along the way, she’ll come to understand the power of memory, and the joy in embracing childish whims and dreams.
In terms of plot, it’s fairly straightforward, though there are some elements I don’t wish to spoil. As such, I’ll keep things vague, though I suspect most people will “figure it out” fairly early on. It utilizes a number of easily recognizable tropes/cliches of these fantastical family movies, leaving little surprises to be had. Even so, the key to this movie lies in how it uses those familiar elements while offering something new to enjoy.
By playing on familiar, however, IF manages to immediately endear you to the story/characters you meet. It doesn’t need to spend time explaining the ‘rules’ of the world and is able to dive right into the characters and their needs. The result is a host of characters who are instantly engaging, who manage to feel both relatable and unique in a very short amount of screen time
Ryan Reynolds’ charm and humor is, as usual, on point, but it’s Cailey Fleming who truly carries this movie. In just about all ways, she’s the heart and driving factor of the film and manages to make it look easy. From the initial, too-serious, girl we meet, to the awe and wonder as she discovers a whole new world, down to great comedic timing and key emotional moments…she does it all.
Even in a movie stacked with Hollywood heavyweights (most of whom lend voices to the animated IFs), Fleming holds her own; making even the more predictable moments feel fresh and lively.
Perhaps my favorite aspect of the film, are the themes it presents to audiences. The ideas of being playful, forever a kid a heart, and following your dreams are very near and dear to me. Growing up doesn’t have to mean setting aside things we loved/needed as a kid. In fact, sometimes those are necessary to give us fulfilling lives later on. It’s a sentiment I try to live by and instill into my own children.
IF, covers all that beautifully by putting the focus on reconnecting IFs with their former kids (who’d grown up), rather than finding all new kids. It’s a touching idea and makes for some powerful emotional moments in the final act.
Generally speaking, IF is definitely a family movie, though it’s decidedly not the “kids” movie I was expecting. While every kiddo is different, the right age range for this flick are people in the double digits. 10 to tweens and parents will likely get the most out of this story, while those younger might struggle.
Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of humor, great gags, and dazzling moments. But there are also a number of slower moments. They’re no less beautiful, but even in my screening I could see some of the younger kiddos getting restless. In some ways, though, I think that’s a good thing.
There are a number of great kid movies out there for younger audiences, and a plethora of options for teenagers of course…but the kids in the middle of those ranges can be a tough audience to crack (if you’re not a superhero or blockbuster). IF strikes that balance almost effortlessly. Between a highly relatable protagonist, silly humor that isn’t dumbed down, and heartwarming moments, I can see a lot of 10-12 year olds eager to enjoy this one over and over again.
Above all else, IF just makes you feel warm and fuzzy in all the right ways. Charming and affectionate, I left the theater feeling hopeful and with a smile on my face. While I don’t think it connected with me as much as I’d hoped, I can’t deny the tears in my eyes at a number of scenes.
