It’s not often a movie leaves you walking out of the theater in a state of complete uncertainty. IF, the latest directorial venture from John Krasinski, manages to achieve just that, for both good and, arguably, less successful reasons. Krasinski, known for taking risks, certainly doesn’t play it safe with this family-friendly film. However, the result is something of an enigma, leaving one to question who the intended audience truly is. Is it too emotionally weighty and occasionally unsettling for young children? Or does its earnestness and sentimentality lean too heavily for adult viewers? Navigating this delicate balance is a challenge, one that studios like Pixar have mastered. Yet, with IF, this attempt at heartfelt storytelling doesn’t consistently resonate.
IF undeniably hits emotional notes effectively, but its overall tone is a rollercoaster. While the marketing might suggest a lighthearted and whimsical adventure, and there are certainly moments of imaginative craziness, the film is fundamentally more subdued and melancholic than anticipated. If a seasoned viewer is left pondering, one can only imagine the reaction of families expecting a purely joyful experience.
Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming in IF
Delving into the World of ‘IF’: Plot and Characters
The narrative centers around Bea (Cailey Fleming), a young girl grappling with significant life changes. Having lost her mother, Bea now faces the anxiety of her father (John Krasinski) undergoing serious surgery. Residing with her grandmother (Fiona Shaw) in Brooklyn, Bea starts encountering peculiar occurrences. An encounter with Cal (Ryan Reynolds) only deepens the mystery. Eventually, Bea uncovers a remarkable ability: she can see imaginary friends, or “IFs” as they are called.
These IFs are in a precarious situation. The children who once imagined them have grown up and forgotten them. While Cal has been trying to find them new children to connect with, his efforts have been largely unsuccessful. Bea joins forces with Cal and two prominent IFs, Blue (voiced by Steve Carell) and Blossom (voiced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge), to address this issue. This mission provides Bea with a renewed sense of purpose and joy, offering a welcome distraction from the looming concern about her father’s health. As she meets numerous IFs, Bea begins to rediscover a sense of magic in a world that had become increasingly somber.
Cailey Fleming interacts with a CGI character in IF
Star-Studded Cast and Performances in Krasinski’s ‘IF’
The film boasts an impressive A-list cast, many in cameo roles, with Cailey Fleming taking the lead. Ryan Reynolds is effectively a co-lead, but the story is fundamentally Bea’s journey. Fleming delivers a commendable performance, even if her role is often reactive rather than proactive. Reynolds brings a great deal of physical comedy to his part, which is entertaining, although the character’s function in the narrative feels somewhat unconventional. Interestingly, the role might have been better suited for a female actress, considering the unfolding storyline. Steve Carell provides the most prominent voice performance as Blue, delivering a larger-than-life yet fitting portrayal. John Krasinski and Fiona Shaw offer charming supporting performances in smaller roles, while Alan Kim and Bobby Moynihan are other notable live-action cast members. Beyond Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the extensive voice cast includes talents such as Awkwafina, Emily Blunt, George Clooney, Bradley Cooper, Matt Damon, Louis Gossett Jr., Richard Jenkins, Blake Lively, Keegan-Michael Key, Sebastian Maniscalco, Christopher Meloni, Matthew Rhys, Sam Rockwell, Maya Rudolph, Amy Schumer, Jon Stewart, and many more.
The title card for IF movie directed by John Krasinski
Krasinski’s Heartfelt Effort and the Curious Nature of ‘IF’
Filmmaker John Krasinski clearly poured his heart into IF. Mirroring the caliber of the voice cast, the film’s technical aspects are handled by industry veterans like composer Michael Giacchino and cinematographer Janusz Kaminski. The movie commendably sets a portion of its story in Coney Island, utilizing the location effectively. However, despite these strengths, Krasinski has crafted something undeniably peculiar. IF feels tonally disjointed, and while its emotional core is well-intentioned, the film lacks defined rules or internal consistency, elements crucial for this type of narrative. Upon closer inspection, the film’s logic seems to unravel. While younger viewers might not be bothered by these inconsistencies, it’s questionable whether they will be fully captivated by the film’s overall approach. Krasinski finds himself in a cinematic predicament.
Ultimately, IF seems caught between appealing to children and engaging adults, without fully succeeding at either. It lands in a strange middle ground, almost like a live-action rendition of a Pixar film, but one that misses the mark. The experience is undeniably perplexing. Yet, the film does evoke genuine emotion, indicating Krasinski’s underlying talent. IF emerges as an intriguing misstep, although it possesses a certain potential for cult classic status. Only time will reveal its long-term reception, but in the immediate view, the film struggles to establish its identity.
SCORE: ★★1/2
