IF (2024) tries to mix together heartfelt emotion with whimsical fantasy but ultimately falls somewhere in the middle of meh. 

Directed by John Krasinski, the film takes us through the life of Bea (Cailey Fleming), a young girl who is juggling loss and loneliness while staying with her grandmother in New York. Bea discovers a whole new world when she encounters Cal (Ryan Reynolds) who reminds her of what everyone’s childhoods – including hers – used to be like. 

IF has adorable animation and really expresses the cute and cuddly imaginary friend that a lot of us had growing up. But, it falls short in several areas. The speed of the movie is inconsistent. Some scenes left me feeling rushed while others dragged along. 

The character development is also lacking, as Bea and the other imaginary friends seem to lack depth and complexity; it makes it hard to fully understand and engage in their story. Like with Cal you never knew that he was Bea’s imaginary friend until the end of the movie leaving his story rushed and character development left behind.

Visually IF is an adorable movie to take your little ones to since it offers glimpses of enchantment, mainly of Coney Island and Bea’s grandmother Margaret’s (Fiona Shaw) apartment. However, the small number of whimsical events like when the imaginary friends’ hearts light up when their people remember them, are not enough to make up for the film’s lack of narrative.

Despite its flaws, IF  manages to portray moments of genuine love and charm. The bond between Bea and her grandmother is sincere, providing a sense of love and connection that watchers can relate to. 

While this movie is meant for children, adults can relate with the deeper meaning about the power of one’s imagination and the importance of holding onto sacred memories resonates on a universal level that a lot of people can relate with. For viewers seeking a light-hearted escape into the world of imagination, IF may offer just enough love to make it a passable watch.