IF: Film Review
After finding success writing and directing the horror A Quiet Place and its sequel, John Krasinski has gone the family film route with IF.
The film follows Bea (Cailey Fleming), a 12-year-old girl who temporarily moves in with her late mum’s mother (Fiona Shaw) while her dad (Krasinski) awaits surgery in hospital. Upstairs in the building, Bea discovers a man named Calvin (Ryan Reynolds) and creatures Blue (voiced by Steve Carell) and Blossom (Phoebe Waller-Bridge). It turns out they’re imaginary friends who have been forgotten by their people so Calvin is trying to find them a new kid. Cailey decides to partner with Calvin and help him match retired IFs with new children.
IF is sweet, wholesome and heartfelt. Krasinski captures the wonder of childhood and has an incredible sense of imagination. A sequence set in an IF retirement community is so creative and a delight to watch. Conceptually, it reminded me of Toy Story, but instead of toys, it considers what happens to your imaginary friends when you grow up.
Unfortunately, the first half is too slow and takes far too long to get going. I understand that it needs to establish Bea’s life but it gets to the IF discovery and her partnership with Calvin too late and children might get bored or restless. The pace felt off and the writing needed some work. But thankfully, the film really hit its stride in the second half and became fun and engaging. It was also surprisingly moving at times so parents should come equipped with tissues for when the emotional third act hits you in the feels.
I sometimes get tired of Reynolds’s schtick but he dials it back here. He doesn’t go as hard as usual, perhaps because it is a family film or because he is in support of Fleming. Either way, his performance worked for the character and I enjoyed his physical comedy moments.
Fleming impressed me on The Walking Dead and I was excited to see this progression in her career. Her performance was subtle, cute and very emotional at times so I’m glad Reynolds let her shine. The duo are supported by a crazily star-studded voice cast including Krasinski’s Office co-star Carell (perfect as Blue), his wife Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Bradley Cooper and more. My personal fave of the IFs was an old wise bear voiced by the late Louis Gossett Jr.
IF is a lovely family film that’s full of heart. He may not have pulled it off perfectly but I adored Krasinski’s vision.
In cinemas from Friday 17th May