John Krasinski, known for his work on “The Office” and the “A Quiet Place” series, ventures into family-friendly territory with his latest film, IF. However, this cinematic outing proves to be anything but predictable, landing in a perplexing space that defies easy categorization. While undeniably heartfelt and emotionally resonant at times, IF struggles to find its footing, creating an experience that leaves you unsure of its intended audience and overall impact. Krasinski’s ambition to create something unique is evident, but the film’s uneven tone and occasionally unsettling moments raise questions about its suitability for young viewers, while its sentimentality might deter some adults. It’s a tightrope walk reminiscent of Pixar’s successes, but IF doesn’t consistently maintain its balance.
Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming share a scene in “IF”, a new family movie directed by John Krasinski, showcasing the blend of live-action and CGI characters.
The marketing for IF might lead audiences to expect a whimsical, zany adventure, and while moments of lightheartedness are present, the film leans surprisingly into melancholy and quieter emotional beats. This tonal ambiguity is perhaps IF‘s biggest hurdle. If this reviewer found himself puzzled, one can only imagine the reaction of families expecting a purely fun and lighthearted experience.
A scene from the 2024 movie “IF” directed by John Krasinski, featuring Cailey Fleming in a heartwarming moment with a CGI imaginary friend.
The Story of Bea and the Imaginary Friends
At the heart of IF is Bea (Cailey Fleming), a young girl navigating the complexities of grief and family illness. Having lost her mother and now facing her father’s (John Krasinski) serious surgery, Bea finds herself staying with her grandmother (Fiona Shaw) in Brooklyn. It’s during this period of upheaval that Bea begins to perceive extraordinary things – imaginary friends, or “IFs.”
Her encounters lead her to Cal (Ryan Reynolds), who reveals himself to be someone who can also see IFs and is dedicated to helping these forgotten companions. These IFs are in a precarious situation, fading away as the children who created them have grown and moved on. Cal has been trying to pair them with new children, but with limited success. Bea, with her newfound ability, joins forces with Cal and two key IFs, Blue (voiced by Steve Carell) and Blossom (voiced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge). This mission to help the IFs provides Bea with a sense of purpose and joy, offering a welcome distraction from the anxieties surrounding her father’s health. As she immerses herself in the world of imaginary friends, Bea rediscovers a sense of wonder and magic that had been dimmed by recent hardships.
Promotional image for “IF” showcasing a group of the imaginary friends, voiced by a star-studded cast including Steve Carell and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, in John Krasinski’s family film.
Star-Studded Cast and Technical Prowess
IF boasts an impressive ensemble cast, primarily in cameo roles. Cailey Fleming takes center stage as Bea, delivering a commendable performance as the emotional anchor of the story. Ryan Reynolds, almost a co-lead, brings his characteristic energy and physical comedy to Cal, though the reviewer suggests the role’s dynamics might have been better suited to a female actress. Steve Carell shines as the voice of Blue, injecting warmth and humor into the CGI character. John Krasinski and Fiona Shaw offer gentle support in their smaller live-action roles.
Beyond the actors on screen, IF benefits from top-tier talent behind the camera. The score is composed by the acclaimed Michael Giacchino, adding emotional depth to the film, and the cinematography is handled by the legendary Janusz Kaminski, bringing a visually rich quality to the movie. The film’s setting in Coney Island is a notable and effective choice, adding a unique local flavor.
A Film Searching for Its Identity
Despite its strengths, IF ultimately feels like a film at odds with itself. While Krasinski’s heart is clearly in the right place, much like the dedication of the all-star voice cast, the movie lacks a cohesive vision. The internal logic of the world of IFs feels underdeveloped and inconsistent. The rules and boundaries are unclear, and plot threads tend to unravel upon closer inspection. While children might overlook these inconsistencies, they may also struggle to fully connect with the film’s more subdued and melancholic tone.
IF appears caught between appealing to children and engaging adults, resulting in a somewhat awkward middle ground. It flirts with the emotional depth of a Pixar film in a live-action format but doesn’t quite capture the same magic or thematic clarity. The reviewer admits to being “befuddled” by the final product, yet acknowledges the film’s undeniable emotional pull. This creates a curious paradox – a movie that is both confusing and affecting.
Ultimately, IF might find a niche as a cult classic due to its unique and somewhat strange nature. However, in the immediate context, it struggles to define its identity. It’s a film with moments of brilliance and genuine emotion, but its tonal inconsistencies and unclear target audience prevent it from fully realizing its potential.
SCORE: ★★1/2
