Writer-director John Krasinski is an anomaly. Best known for his directorial debut A Quiet Place, now in the threequel phase, IF proves to be an extremely accomplished departure. Aided and abetted by a multitude of A-list talent in the voice department, Krasinski reminds every adult what it feels like to have an imaginary friend. This is a poignant film laced with tragedy, that introduces Bea (Cailey Fleming) and her father (John Krasinski) as a single parent family dealing with his imminent heart surgery. Holed up with her grandmother (Fiona Shaw), she looks to escape the potential loss of another parent by escaping into imagination. Just one flight up from her grandmother’s apartment is a place where Bea can seek solace and finds a friend in the enigmatic Cal (Ryan Reynolds).
IF walks a very delicate line throughout its conservative runtime, while Reynolds reins in his more outlandish comedy traits to deliver a heartwarming performance. The simple idea that imaginary friends are forgotten as children drift into adulthood has an undeniable ring of truth to it, and one that elevates this movie effortlessly. Both Steve Carrell (Blue) and Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Blossom) shine in their voice work, bringing these lost souls of the imagination to life. Comparisons to Monsters Inc. are inevitable, even if Krasinski’s approach feels slightly more rooted in human emotion than its Pixar counterpart.
If anything, this film is about reconnecting with the innocence of childhood. A time when imagination was all we had and all we needed. When imaginary friends could be seen, felt, and became a haven from the fears of the outside world. The genuinely touching thing about IF is the idea that these creations never die, but merely become dormant as adult life intervenes. That sense of fun which so defines childhood for so many, becomes something audiences can experience again alongside their own children lost in the moment.
Among the actors who give voice to these creations, veteran Oscar winner Louis Gossett Jr (Lewis) is an understated stand out. Playing Lewis, a world-weary bear in a retirement home for imaginary friends, this touching turn proves truly heart-breaking. Other A-list inhabitants include George Clooney, Matt Damon, and a silent Brad Pitt as both an eternal trip hazard and awesome running joke. Those cameos aside, IF appeals to the child inside everyone, rarely manipulating emotions, but reminding those adults who care to listen where their lost innocence can still be found.
IF is available to buy and rent on Digital and on Blu-ray™ and DVD formats now.